The Daily News, which endorsed Mr. Giuliani in the last election, also said it supported the Mayor's re-election.

Later polls that showed the gap had grown again kept several Democrats, who might otherwise have endorsed Mr. Giuliani, under cover.

Asked about the change since the union endorsed Mr. Giuliani in 1997, the responded: "The mayor's race was the mayor's race.

And both the fire officers and the firefighters unions endorsed Mr. Giuliani for re-election in 1997.

A day after losing the primary, the Councilman endorsed Mr. Giuliani on the steps of City Hall.

In the last election, the party endorsed Mr. Giuliani.

This year, a minor party's influence might be decisive again, if the Liberals decide to endorse Mr. Giuliani.

And District Council 37 endorsed Mr. Giuliani for re-election in 1997.

He forcefully denounced - though not by name - black political leaders who have endorsed Mr. Giuliani.

In other boroughs, party leaders have watched quietly as some of their officials have endorsed Mr. Giuliani.