Posted on 06/19/2007 3:40:02 PM PDT by neverdem
Associated Press
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg left the Republican Party on Tuesday and switched to unaffiliated, a move certain to be seen as a prelude to an independent presidential bid that would upend the 2008 race.
The billionaire former CEO, who was a lifelong Democrat before he switched to the Republican Party in 2001 for his first mayoral run, said the change in his voter registration does not mean he is running for president.
"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.
The 65-year-old mayor has increasingly been the subject of speculation that he will run as an independent in 2008, despite his repeated promises to leave politics after the end of his term in 2009. He has fueled the buzz with increasing out-of-state travel, a greater focus on national issues and repeated criticism of the partisan politics that dominate Washington.
This is a breaking news update. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
NEW YORK (AP) — New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg left the Republican Party on Tuesday and switched to unaffiliated, a move certain to be seen as a prelude to an independent presidential bid that would upend the 2008 race.
The billionaire former CEO, who was a lifelong Democrat before he switched to the Republican Party in 2001 for his first mayoral run, said the change in his voter registration does not mean he is running for president.
Go ahead and run. That’s all we need is another linguini-spined RINO to syphon votes away from Hildabeast. Go Mike, Go, you egotistical troll.
Fred Thompson’s people were probably pretty excited last night. They’ve had nothing but good news. Shoot, even that clip on Leno showed him to be pretty well received.
No way Bloomberg running on a third line helps Hillary. Perot had some weird personal thing against Bush, Bloomberg is going for himself.
He never was one.
Flip flop, flip flop ...
Terri's barbaric killing was the beginning of the larger picture of the GOP, majority now minority, stabbing Americans and also their base in the back on many issues.
The senate illegal alien bill may be the end of the RNC as others know it. When they did nothing while Terri suffered, I left them. Reformed bushbot.
I’m not so sure: this looks like Hillary found her Perot. If Bloomberg can siphon off enough GOP votes, yes votes from RINOs but RINOs who still wouldn’t have voted for Hillary, she gets the White House, and we get another four (or eight) years of the Clintons working to destroy Western Civilization.
Scuttlebutt is Bloomie may team up with Chuck Hagel. Now there's a match made in RINO heaven.
Run, Bloomie, run!
Bwah hah hah hah hah....
LOL..When was he ever?
He never was.
This is no loss. Bloomberg was never a Republican in the first place. If he should run as an Independent, he will take votes away from the Rats not the Republicans.
Only fools ever thought he was a Republican.
Liberal republican- liberal democrat. There's a difference (other than the spelling)?
With not just the maid, but the maid’s three sisters and four cousins.
I’m a lifelong Repub, but if Bush was up for reelection, I’d stay home and watch TV.
Bush has gotten away with Liberal and even unconstitutional actions that a Dem would have been called on.
With not just the maid, but the maid’s three sisters and four cousins.
I’m a lifelong Repub, but if Bush was up for reelection, I’d stay home and watch TV.
Bush has gotten away with Liberal and even unconstitutional actions that a Dem would have been called on.
But Bush’s immigration stand alone is enough to sink the Repub Party in ‘08 and more so beyond. A traitor to one’s party is worse than an open enemy.
Unfortunately, it was of the early John Lindsay/Roy Goodman variety, which is actually worse than most avowed socialists.
Bloomberg is having a press conference right now.
Party labels are becoming virtually meaningless. We no longer live in a day when we can vote for anyone with an “R” next to his name. We must be informed on each individual’s record, and vote accordingly.
Which he will. It's going to be the Heaven's Gate of Presidential campaigns. I'm looking forward to watching this lifeless jackass piss away his money.
Gee, I didn’t know Bloomberg was a Republican???? Apparently, neither did he!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.