Once popular with her politico peers, New York City Council speaker Christine Quinn lost some support after this summer's slush fund scandal. And, with all the bad press, the openly gay Quinn's dreams of becoming mayor became quite dim.

It should come as no surprise, then, that Quinn supports Mayor Mike Bloomberg's bid for a third-term, a rare move for the city.

We originally assumed Quinn wanted more time to regain people's confidence, but NY Post claims there's more nuance than just that:

Quinn's support for a term-limit extension for Mayor Bloomberg comes at a price, according to City Hall insiders. They say that Quinn , who has lost the confidence of her colleagues, will not be re-elected speaker.

Rather than go back to being an ordinary council member and have to give up her big staff and SUV, Quinn will leave the council and become a deputy mayor under Bloomberg. The deal for extending term limits also includes Bloomberg - who regards Quinn highly - endorsing her for mayor in 2013.

The move would also give Quinn a leg up on the experience side, which would no doubt come into play in a rhetorical campaign. Say what you will about Quinn, but this lady's one crafty, adept politician.