New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, left, and his challenger, city comptroller William Thompson, Jr., participate in the first debate for their 2009 mayoral campaign in New York on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Bryan Smith, Pool)

FILE - This Aug. 26, 2009 file photo, shows Democratic mayoral hopeful, New York City Comptroller William Thompson, Jr., answering questions in his first mayoral debate with New York City Councilman Tony Avella at the New York Public Library in New ...