Passions Run High Outside Debate Venue

New York, NY —

Outside the debate venue, hundreds of partisans from both the Bloomberg and Thompson campaigns made their voices heard. WNYC's Bob Hennelly filed this report

REPORTER: The chanting of Bloomberg boosters, backed by a strong presence from the building trades could be heard for blocks. Laid off Iron worker John Franco says he thinks Bloomberg is the best man to restart the stalled construction industry

FRANCO: I'd think he do a great job especially for ironworkers.

REPORTER: A block away an equally passionate but smaller Thompson crowd made their presence felt. City public school teacher Angela DeSousa says under Mayor Bloomberg, teachers are frustrated by what she believes is a superficial numbers game.

DE SOUSA: They are overwhelmed with stupid paperwork. They much teach to the test, teach to the test.

REPORTER: Despite the energetic street presence marshaled by both campaigns last night, a majority of the City's registered voters are expected to stay home next month for the election. The next big street test for the campaign organizers will be on October 27th when Bloomberg and Thompson face off for their second debate. For WNYC I am Bob Hennelly.