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Anti-Quinn Group Pledges To Spend $1 Million In Effort To Block Mayoral Bid

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The front-runner in the polls for the Democratic mayoral nomination is getting some organized, high-priced political heat.

The newly registered political action committee, New York City is Not for Sale, launched its anti-Christine Quinn campaign Monday from the steps of City Hall.

Members of the coalition of unions and activists chanted "ABQ" -- Anybody But Quinn -- on the City Hall steps.

The PAC has pledged to spend $1 million to block Speaker Quinn's mayoral bid. Also Monday, the group began running an anti-Quinn television ad.

The Smoke-Filled Room by NYCIsNotForSale on YouTube

CWA Local 1180 President Arthur Cheliotes is one of the founders of the group and represents 14,000 telecommunications workers in the city.

"We feel strongly that there are other progressive candidates out there and we don't want to see a fourth term for Bloomberg, which we think Quinn will give us," Cheliotes told WCBS 880's Rich Lamb.

Anti-Quinn Group Pledges To Spend $1 Million In Effort To Block Mayoral Bid

The PAC contends that Quinn's record on issues such as living wage, paid sick leave, term limits and animal rights disqualify her for the mayoralty.

Quinn's campaign said the outside group has strong connections to Public Advocate and mayoral hopeful Bill de Blasio and that it's an effort by de Blasio to circumvent New York City's campaign finance laws.

De Blasio said he resents the charge and called it untrue.

"It must say she's nervous about my candidacy. I think a lot of people would say I'm emerging as the clear progressive alternative to her," de Blasio told Lamb.

Who do you want to see replace Mayor Bloomberg? Please offer your comments below...

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