By Gabriela Resto-Montero
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
UPPER EAST SIDE — Mayor Michael Bloomberg's girlfriend jumped into the East Side congressional race Monday and campaigned for Reshma Saujani at the corner of East 86th Street and Lexington Avenue ahead of Tuesday's Democratic primary.
Bloomberg's girlfriend, Diana Taylor, a former New York State banking superintendent, said Saujani's business savvy could help jumpstart the economy.
"The economy's not going to improve anytime soon and we need someone who understands how to create jobs," said Taylor, who is a registered Republican and will vote in that party's primary Tuesday.
"I think it's time for new blood in Washington," she said.
Maureen White, former national finance chair for the Democratic party, joined Taylor and Saujani Monday morning.
White, who is married to former car czar Steve Rattner, called attacks against Saujani's Wall Street background "annoying."
"It's a very complicated world in Wall Street and if you don't understand it, you can't reform it," White said. "And she clearly does."
Taylor's street stumping may have been a preview of a possible run for office in the future.
Earlier this year, rumors circulated that Republicans were urging Taylor to mount a campaign against Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand but Taylor later said that a long race would distract her significant other from his mayoral duties.
"It's fun to contemplate but a lot can happen in three years," Taylor said of a possible run for political office after Bloomberg's term as mayor is finished.
Commuters heading to the E. 86th Street subway station were also deluged with campaign posters from Carolyn Maloney, the incumbent East Side congresswoman, and Kathleen Rice, candidate for Attorney General.
Across the street from where Taylor, White and Saujani handed out campaign literature, Ryan Brumberg, who's running to be the Republican nominee in the race to represent District 14, enlisted the help of his grandmother, Edith Rappy.
"I want a happy month," Rappy said of Brumberg's primary race tomorrow against Dino LaVerghetta.
The Democratic side of the contest heated up last week with big name endorsements from former President Bill Clinton for Maloney and Def Jam CEO Russell Simmons for Saujani.
As she passed out information to commuters, Saujani reminded them that Tuesday's primary could be a sqeaker.
"It's a close race," Saujani said. "We're going to need every vote we can get."
