"You will see that this will be a dark time for the cities," said a high-ranking national Democrat, who asked not to be identified.

All of this is frustrating some high-ranking Democrats.

Their move was a blow to Ms. Messinger, who has had difficulty preventing some high-ranking Democrats from defecting to Mr. Giuliani's camp.

"It met with a less than warm reception and thus faces an uncertain future," said one high-ranking Democrat in the Assembly, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Even in quieter campaigns, high-ranking Democrats have been loath to intervene in primary battles, often out of self-interest should they back the wrong horse.

Ms. Davis, a high-ranking Democrat from the Bronx who has served in the Assembly for 22 years, has also found herself in trouble in Albany.

The Suozzi road map to Albany includes reorganizing his administration and hiring people with links to high-ranking Democrats outside Nassau County.

Many high-ranking Democrats chose to distance themselves from this debate, including John Kerry, despite Jesse Jackson personally asking Kerry for help.

Like Mr. Bradley, some high-ranking Democrats may feel they are running out of time to wait in line.

Prior to his radio debut, Levine served three years as legislative counsel to Barney Frank, a high-ranking Democrat on the Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees.