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Former De Blasio Supporter Peebles Emerges As Potential Mayoral Challenger In 2017

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The next mayoral election is 810 days away, but already there's buzz about Democrats who might challenge Bill de Blasio.

As CBS2's Tony Aiello found out Thursday, that includes a friend who now is lining up as a political foe.

Central Park is the view from his Fifth Avenue office, but powerhouse developer Don Peebles now may have his sights set on an office at City Hall.

Peebles supported Mayor de Blasio with time and money, but now has, what he calls, buyer's remorse.

"I just have, like many other New Yorkers, lost confidence in him. Not to say he's not a nice person, because he is. I don't believe he's up for the job, and he's proven that for the first two years," Peebles said.

De Blasio ran on a "tale of two cities" theme, but Peebles said instead of inspiring people in a city of great opportunity, the mayor has created a sour atmosphere of division.

"He has divided the city along economic lines; he's divided the city on racial lines -- all to his political advantage," Peebles said.

Like many entrepreneurs, Peebles has made headlines with bold proposals, like buying the NBA's Clippers or Long Island College Hospital, but both deals fell through. However, Peebles said he is serious about this possible challenge as he's focusing on a positive message of creating economic opportunity.

"What's the most frustrating is that the policies I see Bill de Blasio implementing are going to further impede the upward mobility of people who need it most," Peebles said.

Fueling the early talk about 2017 is the clear impression that the mayor has hit a second-year slump and perceived mayoral missteps.

"De Blasio has managed to tick off the governor, the Clintons, and a lot of people who are worried about New York City sort of falling back into old bad habits," political consultant Gerry O'Brien said.

On Thursday, the mayor pointed to universal pre-k, overall crime reductions, and an affordable housing plan to solidify his case for re-election.

"And anyone who wants to run against me, God bless 'em, and I'd like to see what they want to put up in comparison to that in terms of a record of achievement on behalf of the people of this city," the mayor said.

De Blasio said he hears the names being bandied about, including Public Advocate Tish James and Comptroller Scott Stringer.

Supporters are also urging Queens State Sen. Tony Avella and East Side Councilman Dan Garodnick to run, Aiello reported.

It's a long list but the mayor says "come one, come all."

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