In addition to the two governor's races, there will be special elections for U.S.House seats in New York and California, and mayoral elections in several major U.S.cities including New York,Boston, Houston,Detroit,Pittsburgh, Seattle and Minneapolis.

VOA: standard.2009.10.23

His involvement in the controversial selection process for Labour's mayoral candidate was particularly criticised.

BBC: Clive Soley

Steinem said she'd withdraw her support for Quinn's mayoral bid if she didn't allow a vote.

WSJ: NY mayoral hopeful would be a first, in 2 ways

Bloomberg, often seen as a key potential supporter for Quinn's mayoral bid, blasted both proposals.

WSJ: Bloomberg staunchly defends NYPD policies