John Liu, the seemingly ubiquitous New York City Comptroller and a graduate of Bronx High School of Science, has not formally announced his intention to run for mayor.

But, well, he’s running for mayor.

So is Council Speaker Christine Quinn. She hasn’t officially announced either.

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, on the other hand, has officially announced his candidacy.

Another Democrat, Bill Thompson, announced he was running relatively soon after losing the last general election to Michael Bloomberg four years ago.

Meanwhile, former Democrat and Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion is throwing his hat in the ring too and hoping Republicans or the Independence Party gives him the nod.

All have been starting to make their rounds in the Bronx.

Two weeks ago, Quinn came up to Riverdale to endorse District 11 Council candidate Andrew Cohen and maybe shake a few hands.
Following his announcement, de Blasio embarked on citywide tour that made a stop on Fordham Road.

And Liu stopped by an old stone house across from Williamsbridge Oval Park for a chat with the local nonprofit community newspaper.

As always, Liu appeared calm, confident and comfortable talking about a buffet of city issues, despite a highly-publicized criminal trial coming up for his former campaign treasurer Jenny Hou and one of his primary donors, Oliver Pan.

They stand accused of illegal fundraising on Liu’s behalf. (Liu has not been implicated in the case.)

Liu said he was shocked and dismayed by the charges, particularly because he’s “very proud of the way we’ve conducted our fundraising.” He added that, contrary to public perception, his campaign has held to a “higher ethical standard” by not taking money from groups that do business with the city.

“I’m very happy that this trial is starting,” he said. He may have to wait a few more days. Recently, Pan was involuntarily admitted to a mental hospital and his competency for standing trial is now in question.

Editor’s note: A version of this article originally appeared in the Feb. 7-20, 2013 print edition of the Norwood News.