Democratic Underdog in Race for Mayor:
Fernando Ferrer,
former Bronx borough president, is the Democratic underdog in the 2005 New York City mayoral campaign. Nevertheless, Ferrer is making a last-minute push with controversial advertising and aggressive campaigning. Can he gain ground on front-runner Bloomberg before the November 8 election?
Endorsements:
Ferrer has been praised for his advocacy of lower-cost housing and his focus on improving life for middle-class New Yorkers. He has been endorsed by many unions and city organizations and prominent Democrats including Bill Clinton, John Kerry, and Rev. Jesse L. Jackson have campaigned on his behalf.
Background and Qualifications:
Fernando Ferrer was raised in the South Bronx and served in the City Council prior to being elected Bronx borough president. He held that post for 14 years and narrowly lost the Democratic mayoral primary in 2001. Since then, he has served as president of the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy, a non-profit organization that works on economic and social justice issues.
Ferrer's Chances:
After narrowly gaining the Democratic nomination over rival Anthony Weiner, Ferrer is getting trounced in public opinion polls. Many are predicting a landslide victory for Bloomberg, but Ferrer continues to aggressively campaign. His recent ads, featuring a salsa-dancing Al Sharpton and a cartoon Bloomberg doing unspeakable things to a cartoon Bush, have certainly earned him some attention (both good and bad).
