Last night CWA members showed their support for mayoral candidate Bill deBlasio.

By Jonathan Lemire – NEW YORK (AP) — The Democratic candidates hoping to become the city’s next mayor have fought on a debate stage one last time, with front-running Public Advocate Bill de Blasio receiving the majority of the verbal attacks.

The candidates traded barbs throughout Tuesday’s contentious debate. Several candidates accused de Blasio of flip-flopping on issues including term limits, slumlords and expanded taxi service, a claim he denied. Ex-comptroller Bill Thompson urged de Blasio “to be honest” with voters.

The candidates also criticized independent Mayor Michael Bloomberg for not negotiating new contracts with city workers.

De Blasio, who has been ahead recently in the unpredictable campaign, which has seen three front-runners in as many months, said he’d strike new deals but can’t promise retroactive raises. Other candidates refused to offer up any specifics, insisting they wouldn’t negotiate through the media.