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In both cases he apologized. Johnson has largely been able to pass off such stumbles as signs of his unpolished authenticity. Opponents say they are evidence of bigotry at worst, and at best callousness or distraction -- Livingstone calls Johnson a "part-time mayor" with too many outside interests.
Livingstone, 66, has concentrated on London politics for decades. He led London's local authority during the 1980s until it was abolished by Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Nicknamed "Red Ken," he became famous for two things -- left-wing views and raising great crested newts.
As mayor, Livingstone gained praise with his sure-footed response to the 2005 London transit bombings that killed 52 people and for introducing a traffic-busting "congestion charge" to drive into the city center, a policy admired New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, among others.
His views on international issues are more controversial. Livingstone once called President George W. Bush "the greatest threat to life on this planet," welcomed hard-line Muslim cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi to London, and was suspended from his post for a month after comparing a Jewish reporter to a Nazi concentration camp guard.
Livingstone denies anti-Semitism, but his words have alienated many Jewish voters.
Both men are also known for their busy private lives. Livingstone has five children with three women, while Johnson was once fired from a Conservative post for lying about an extramarital affair.
They seem to have a visceral animosity, getting into a shouting match in an elevator after a recent radio debate, with Johnson repeatedly calling his rival an "(expletive) liar" for claims about Johnson's tax status.
The dispute ended with the candidates publishing their tax records, which showed that both earn many times more than the average Londoner: 1.7 million pounds ($2.7 million) over four years for Johnson; 342,000 pounds ($540,000) for Livingstone.
Opinion polls give Johnson a slight edge, but indicate a close race. Liberal Democrat contender Brian Paddick, a former senior policeman, is a distant third.
Most questions from voters during the campaign have focused on bread-and-butter issues: crime, housing, public transport. And while voters are divided, few are undecided.
"There's only one choice -- Boris," said Leigh Nicoll, a lawyer. "Boris has a pro-business agenda. Ken just doesn't seem that bothered."
Gerald Coffey, a construction worker, was equally definite.
"Ken would be my favorite," he said. "He's a man to voice his opinion. ... And if he doesn't get his way, at least he'll cause a lot of trouble."
___
Online:
Back Boris 2012: http://www.backboris2012.com/
Ken Livingstone: http://www.kenlivingstone.com/
[Associated Press;
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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