Bloomberg Leaving GOP

[Herman Munster]

http://wcbstv.com/topstories/local_story_170181024.html

CBS) NEW YORK CBS 2 HD has learned New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is leaving the Republican party and has announced he is currently unaffiliated with a political party.

The move will clearly begin advancing rumors that the mayor is gearing towards a presidential run, which he has denied in the past.

In a statement, however, the 65-year-old billionaire mayor indicated this doesn't change his plans for his political future.

"I have filed papers with the New York City Board of Elections to change my status as a voter and register as unaffiliated with any political party. Although my plans for the future haven’t changed, I believe this brings my affiliation into alignment with how I have led and will continue to lead our City."

On Tuesday, Bloomberg was in California attending a conference at the University of Southern California along with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The pair appeared on this week's cover of Time magazine.

[SharonAnn]

1. Well, he left the Democratic Party in 2000 to get elected Mayor, so why not?

He knew he couldn't beat Green(?) in the Democratic primary, so he switched to the Republican Party.

Actually, I think he's pretty much a pragmatic guy and doesn't align 100% with either party. And, he may think that he needs autonomy to develop his own platform.

Should be interesting.

Pass out the popcorn!

[razorman]

2. I really don't think they'll miss him.

He certainly wasn't doing their side any good.

[Renew Deal]

4. Except for money.

[Bolo Boffin]

3. Well, this just got interesting. n/t

[ronnykmarshall]

6. VERY interesting.

I can't wait to watch the NYC news tonight. I get WNBC on DirectTV.

[sazemisery]

5. I think this changes the whole elction scene, folks. n/t

[ronnykmarshall]

7. Sure does ...

He might the the "Perot" of 2008.

[up-in-arms]

8. This could hurt us...

.... if he runs independent.

[Virginia Dare]

9. It will hurt the GOP, not the Dems...

but I'm not sure who you mean by "us".

[ronnykmarshall]

11. It will hurt BOTH sides

Bill Clinton won in 1992 in three-way race.

A democrat can win again.

[tridim]

13. And the Republics can claim they lost because of Bloomberg

Not because their party and all their candidates suck ass.

[Virginia Dare]

10. Excellent, more rats off the ship...

plenty more where he came from though...:evilgrin:

[democrat2thecore]

12. This year will be completely different - ANYTHING can happen -nt

[jcrew2001]

14. 3rd parties always hurt the incumbent

Nader hurt the incumbent VP Gore; and Perot hurt GHWB.

this will hurt the republicans more.