Tuesday, June 19, 2007

NY Mayor Bloomberg quits GOP

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has left the Republican Party and registered as an independent, according to a media report late Tuesday. The billionaire former CEO said the change in voter registration doesn't mean he's running for president, the Associated Press reported. "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," Bloomberg said, according to the AP report. Bloomberg switched to the Republican Party in 2001 for his first mayoral run.

Can we believe him when he says he is not running for President? My guess is no and that we will see him enter the race later this year. the big question is who does he hurt if he does enter the race. His views socially are much closer to that of the Democratic Party, to which he belonged until 2001 when he switched to be able to run for mayor.

He is one of the richest men in America and can self finance any campaign. He has been a great mayor of New York City but I do not believe a very short Jewish billionaire from New York will play well in Peoria. It also leaves open the possibility of a three way race for President with all candidates coming from New York.

This is a very interesting development and one I will follow closely.

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