Obama Endorses de Blasio for Mayor

As endorsements go, mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio secured probably the biggest Monday morning, getting the nod from President Barack Obama.

De Blasio's campaign sent out the news Monday morning, with still roughly six weeks to go before New Yorkers hit the polls again. 

“Progressive change is the centerpiece of Bill de Blasio's vision for New York City, and it's why he will be a great mayor of America's largest city," Obama said in a statement. "Whether it’s ensuring pre-kindergarten is available for every four-year old, expanding after-school programs for every middle school student who wants and needs them, making affordable housing available for more New York families and preserving community hospitals, Bill's agenda for New York is marked by bold, courageous ideas that address the great challenges of our time."   

De Blasio was thrilled with the president's backing, and said in a response that he plans to use the president's example as a roadmap for governing New York City.

"On health care, tax fairness or the economy, the President is no stranger to addressing big problems with big ideas and big solutions," de Blasio said. "I will emulate the example he has set, and if elected I stand eager to work with him on an urban agenda that grows prosperity for all."

In a recent poll, de Blasio held a big lead over Republican Joe Lhota in the race for City Hall.