Messinger Has Moved Right, But Not Sufficiently for Some
Democratic mayoral nominee Ruth W Messinger has succeeded in defining her political identity as champion of underdog, believer in aggressive ministrations of government and populist ready to challenge corporate interests; these are traits that emerge repeatedly in examination of Messinger's two-decade political career as City Councilwoman and Manhattan Borough President; while supporters look to her past and see evidence that she would institute more compassionate city government, detractors see proof that she would usher in less restrained and sensible one; photo (M)
