Even some of Mr. Hevesi's critics suggest that he is subject to more scrutiny than his mayoral rivals because of the nature of his job.

And the failure of the talks was becoming grist for one Democratic mayoral rival, Gifford Miller, the City Council speaker, who called yesterday for a federal mediator.

She is a strong supporter of Mr. Dinkins, Mr. Stein's mayoral rival, and there is little warmth between her and Mr. Stein.

Their platforms and their promises have all been scrutinized by housing groups, tenant advocacy organizations and the real estate industry, all of whom have been wooing the mayoral rivals for a year.

But intervening in the selection process may invite closer identification with a deeply troubled school system that is already being criticized by some of his mayoral rivals.

Even so, two mayoral rivals criticized the Mayor before he could announce his action.

All six major-party mayoral rivals have spent tens of thousands of dollars to broadcast their campaign messages in between turns of the "Wheel of Fortune," at roughly $3,600 a 30-second shot.

His comments inspired at least one supportive newspaper editorial, a few criticisms by the news media, and criticism from everyone from the N.A.A.C.P. to mayoral rivals.

He suggested that his mayoral rival was behind the accusations, a charge Mr. Booker denies.

Not by accident have these experiences come to be mentioned in the mayoral rivals' appeals to the voters.