Weiner Beats Other '09 Mayoral Hopefuls In Campaign $ Received

Congressmember Anthony Weiner, one of the leading contenders for mayor in the 2009 election, led all other mayoral hopefuls by raising $2 million for the six-month period which ended last Wednesday.

Weiner (D- Queens/Brooklyn), who finished a close second in the 2005 Democratic mayoral primary, surpassed other mayoral hopefuls, among them, Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who raised about $1 million, equalled by Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion and city Comptroller William Thompson, who took in about $750,000.

The largest amount raised for the period was $400,000 for Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, who hasn't said yet if and for what office he might run.

Most councilmembers and all city-wide and borough-wide officials will be out of office at the end of 2009 because of term limits.

Among other would-be Queens candidates in the group, City Councilmember David Weprin, who's eyeing the comptroller's job, has raised $260,000. A possible opponent for him, Brooklyn Councilmember Simcha Felder, bested Weprin, drawing in almost $679,000.

Among other Queens lawmakers, Councilmember Tony Avella (D- Bayside), an announced candidate for mayor, took in $31,425 and Councilmember Leroy Comrie (D- Jamaica), reportedly gearing up to run for borough president, raised $33,200 for the six-month period.- John Toscano