Fintechs run on existing banking rails and whose better banking rails to run on than the forward-thinking and API-friendly challenger banks, rather than incumbents.
But their leaders are torn between loyalties to a labor-friendly Democratic challenger (Mr. Thompson) and a labor-friendly independent mayor (Mr. Bloomberg).
The only question is: how bad? Midterms usually turn out unfavorably for the incumbent party, and this year there are two time-specific factors favoring the Republican challengers: a friendly political map and an unpopular President with an approval rating in the low forties.
Conclusion: Russia as challenger and challenged.
"It was just one of those days where I wasn't playing that great, just had to try and find a way to get through it, and I did," said Sampras, who was not offended by the challenger-friendly hooting and hollering that emanated from the packed gallery once word leaked out that the big man on campus was taking a ribbing from a genuine underdog.
Labor and business leaders are busy sifting through questionnaire responses from the record crop of would-be aldermen to determine which of the challengers might be friendly to their agendas and could mount viable campaigns.
Chime, the San Francisco-based challenger bank known for its consumer-friendly features and lack of fees, has raised $70 million in Series C financing, led by Menlo Ventures.
It's the opposite of pushing anything away, and it's friendly -- the breath is a buddy, not a daunting challenger I must watch vigilantly or lose.
Schiff, the unknown challenger, has had to spend more time calling on friendly PAC directors.
"While money remains a major factor in deciding where to work, more often the important consideration is whether the company offers flexible scheduling, telecommuting and other family-friendly policies like helping with elder care and child care," said John A. Challenger, chief executive of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, which keeps track of employee turnover.
For now, at least, the arrangement tightens an already friendly relationship between the governor, a Republican, and the mayor, a Democrat who was once seen as a likely challenger for the State House in 2013.
