After mounting criticism from Democratic types in New York, President Obama has finally endorsed Bill Thompson for mayor, according to Thompson’s campaign.
The announcement came from the president’s spokesman today during a press conference, although, maybe not surprisingly, it sounded like it came more out of party obligation than genuine enthusiasm.
How much Obama will campaign for Thompson, or appear in ads, or raise money for him, is not yet known.
Here’s the response, in the form of a statement, from Thompson:
“I am grateful and encouraged to receive the support of the President of the United States, especially on the day that Barack Obama is named a Nobel Prize Winner. It is a point of personal pride to receive this endorsement since I made my final decision to run for mayor of this great city while waiting on line to vote for President Obama. New Yorkers supported President Obama in historic numbers on November 4, 2008 and I look forward to that same support on November 3, 2009. I am deeply honored and thank our President for his support and confidence that I will be the next mayor of New York City.”
