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AP Source: De Blasio To Endorse Clinton For President

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A person familiar with the plans of Bill de Blasio says New York City's mayor is planning to endorse Hillary Rodham Clinton for president.

The person told The Associated Press on Monday the endorsement would likely come before a December presidential forum in Iowa organized by de Blasio. The person was not authorized to speak publicly about the matter before the announcement and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

As WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reported, de Blasio, a Democrat, managed Clinton's 2000 Senate campaign, and worked at the Department of Housing and Urban Development under the former secretary of state's husband, ex-President Bill Clinton.

Former President Clinton even swore de Blasio into office at his City Hall inauguration last year.

But the mayor initially refused to endorse Hillary Clinton, saying he needed to hear more detailed policies, most notably about income inequality. That delay drew criticism from some Democrats.

"That's what matters, the fate of this country, the fate of our people, and even when you have a deep friendship and appreciation for someone, you have to put the people first," the mayor said in April.

A spokesman for Clinton says the candidate's and mayor's staffs have held discussions about the endorsement.

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