Embattled Comptroller John Liu told key supporters that he definitely won�t seek re-election next year to remain the city�s chief financial officer, sources said.
But Liu kept the door ajar for a long-shot mayoral run, despite a federal probe of his campaign fund-raising operation, which has damaged his political standing.
�I�m going big � or I�m going home,� Liu told top allies, according to sources privy to the conversations.
�In other words, he�s going to run for mayor or not run for office at all,� an insider said.
Liu discussed his intentions in phone calls to influential backers over the past week. He also attended a number of events with key constituencies in recent days, including the annual Somos Uno Conference sponsored by New York�s Latino lawmakers.
But even admirers said the straw donor fund-raising scandal engulfing Liu has sunk his chances for mayor. The ongoing federal probe has led to charges against his campaign treasurer, Jenny Hou, and key money man, Oliver Pan.
�We�ve moved on,� said one labor leader. �We have other qualified candidates to support for mayor.�
Liu would neither confirm nor deny he�s ruled out a re-election bid.
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