Bloomberg and Thompson Face Off in Debate Tonight

NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the Democrat aiming to unseat him are preparing for their first face-to-face debate tonight. City Comptroller William Thompson Jr. and the billionaire incumbent have had a pleasant working relationship over the years. But it’s grown icy during the campaign.

Thompson used to praise Bloomberg’s handling of city finances. During the campaign, though, he’s criticized Bloomberg for raising taxes and fees that squeeze the middle class.

Bloomberg once called Thompson the best comptroller the city has ever had. Now he faults the Democrat for not improving education as president of the school board in the 1990s, among other things.

The debate this evening is the first of two; the other is on Oct. 27.

The election is Nov. 3.

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