Not Playing by the Rules, Bill Thompson Builds Formidable Campaign

No! Bill Thompson isn’t sleeping, he’s just yawning.  Yes! he has fire in the belly, it’s just on a low flame.

Many have questioned Mayoral hopeful Bill Thompson’s relatively low profile over the past few months. From avoiding direct confrontations and remaining above the fray at candidate forums, to laying low with the media, Mr. Thompson’s passionless or less energized approach was seen as an act of laziness or as natural behavior, which might cost him the 2nd place in the runoff. Hence, while his campaign decision to act above the fray might fit to his even-keel personality, it is also a deliberate strategy, Jonathan Lemire suggests.

The game plan is clear: Building a coalition of blacks, Hispanics and Orthodox Jews, grabbing high profile endorsements and assembling a team of experienced campaign staffers is the formula that will at least bring him to the most wanted second place. From there on, it’s all about beating Quinn as the consensus candidate.

Mr. Thompson’s Confidants maintain that he is a different candidate in 2013.  “He has stepped up significantly,” a former aide told The daily News. “He’s got more fire in the belly this time. And he’s surrounded by fresh faces, who are more able to push him to do things he’d shrug off before.”

“I think I am a stronger candidate this time, a better-prepared candidate,” Mr. Thompson agrees. “I’m building an even stronger team and learning lessons from 2009.”

“If you try and project something you‘re not, it doesn’t sell,“ said Thompson. “This is who I am and I think this is what the voters want to see.“

Only time will tell if the war room preparedness will propel him to enter Grace Mansion next January.