politics

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer is still exploring a run for mayor in 2013, his campaign insists, despite rumors he'll drop down to the comptroller race. "Nothing has changed," said Catherine Butler, a campaign spokeswoman. Crain's reported yesterday that Stringer is seriously considering running for comptroller, citing his low mayoral poll numbers and reports of strained relations with northern Manhattan officials after Stringer challenged one of Manhattan Democratic Chairman Keith Wright's judicial nominees. A source also told City & State that Stringer was looking to hire a speechwriter for his mayoral bid about a month ago, but Stringer backed off because he wasn't sure if he would run for mayor. Another source with knowledge of Stringer's plans disputed that account, noting that a speechwriter job was posted for Stringer's government office, not his campaign. Charlie King, the former state Democratic chairman and a Wright adviser, also sought to dispel doubts about Stringer's relationship with northern Manhattan officials. "He's got a solid relationship with the county chair, Keith Wright, and even went to Rev. [Al] Sharpton's birthday party last week," King said. "Keith Wright has a fine relationship with Scott and thinks very highly of him."