Podesta endorses Bloomberg

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg (I) picked up an endorsement from a high-profile national Democrat today, securing the support of Center for American Progress CEO John Podesta.

Podesta previously served as White House Chief of Staff under President Bill Clinton and was co-chairman of President Barack Obama's transition team earlier this year.

The mayor, who is running for a third term, faces Democratic City Comptroller Bill Thompson in the general election.

"I have been privileged to work closely with two Presidents, and I know what kind of abilities a chief executive needs to succeed," Podesta said in a release. "Mike Bloomberg has those skills and the guts to put them to work ensuring that New York City is a national leader in fostering a cleaner environment, better schools, economic opportunity for all, affordable quality health care and reproductive rights."

Bloomberg, who was formerly a Republican, changed his party registration to Independent in 2007 during his second term as mayor. The financial media magnate has backed the president's push for healthcare reform legislation.

The mayor also picked up endorsements from the president of Planned Parenthood and the executive director of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence.