He yanked it out at the last minute, telling angry Republicans that the money would not be forthcoming.
And as he takes on a higher political profile, it is hard to tell who is happier, Republicans or Democrats.
He told Republicans in the Assembly that he would soon offer a new plan.
And the mayor's staff even told Republicans before the convention that he would not be working as a surrogate for the president during the week.
"She promised to veto a broadbased tax," he told Republicans at a party picnic.
President Bush has told Republicans not to count on him to veto a campaign finance bill.
They exchanged smiles, for reasons that they could never tell these earnest Republicans.
He was telling Republicans to let the President keep the inevitable blame for himself.
I tell Republicans that the way to campaign is to bypass union leaders and go directly to the membership.
