Council Speaker Christine Quinn told voters Thursday night she couldn’t promise to endorse the Democratic nominee for mayor, leaving open the possibility the city’s most powerful Democratic official could endorse Mayor Bloomberg.

“After the democratic process, when we know who the two individuals are who are running, whatever lines they’re running on, I’m going to pick the individual who I believe is best for the city and best for the mayoralty,” Quinn said at the Chelsea Reform Democratic Club’s candidate forum.

“So, if you want me to say 100% tonight that it’s absolutely going to be the Democrat, I’m not prepared to say that,” said Quinn, adding she may not make any endorsement in the race.

Quinn’s reluctance to pledge support for her party’s mayoral nominee could signal trouble for the Democrats, who hope to regain City Hall after 16 years of Republican control. Bloomberg is running on the GOP and Independence party lines.

Quinn, who is seeking reelection to her Council seat, flip-flopped last year to support Bloomberg’s successful bid to overturn term limits. She had promised not to back a change to the law.

Councilman Tony Avella, a longshot Democratic candidate for mayor, said he’s not surprised by the comments.

“She’s been rolling over for Mike Bloomberg on almost every sort of issue that he’s brought to the forefront in the City Council,” Avella said. “She does what she’s told by Mike Bloomberg – I think it’s unfortunate that she’s turned her back on the Democratic party.”

An aide to city controller and Democratic mayoral hopeful William Thompson did not return a request for comment.

In 2005, Quinn supported Democratic mayoral nominee Fernando Ferrer.

Source: NY Daily News