Winner: Bill Thompson – Thompson continues to pick up steam in the mayor’s race, building on last week’s momentum by rolling out more big-name endorsements and reporting a $600,000 in the latest filing period—the highest of any candidate. The backing of southeast Queens power broker Rev. Floyd Flake and former GOP Sen. Alfonse D’Amato proved his appeal beyond his base and established Thompson as more than a “minority” candidate. If he can fend off a potential challenge from a certain former congressman, Thompson can position himself as a solid alternative to Christine Quinn come September.

Bill Thompson said Wednesday he would create a form of merit pay for some New York City teachers if elected mayor, giving the city's best teachers incentives to work in struggling schools.