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.
"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."
He's been looking at the Unity08 line with Chuck Hagel.
May I ask...when was he ever?
He only took the “R” because he lost in the dem run for mayor......and Rudy had long coat-tails!
Question is, do the RINOs split the vote with Shrillery or with Rudy McRomneyson?
One who was also once a Democrat, or at least an aide to the Democrat Representative who he then replaced running as a Republican in '72.
Bloomberg wins N.Y. mayor’s race
Political novice defeats Democrat Green in upset to succeed Giuliani
IIRC, Carl McCall was beaten by Pataki the last time Pataki ran.
Who's Michael Bloomberg, again?
Since when was Bloomberg EVER a Republican?
Shocking news. When did the Bloomer find this out?
yes but a ross perot for who? the pubs or the dems
consider 45% of the electorate wont vote for hillary under any circumstances? she needs to pull of at least 5% from the squishy middle.
who would bloomberg appeal to?
Was he ever a Republican? Hey, didn’t Rooty campaign for this fool?
Dog bites man.
The real story would be if he became a republican.
Bloomberg now a RINAFI (Republican in name only, ah, forget it!)
Mispelled. RINOAFI (Republican in name only, ah, forget it!)
One more example of how New Yorkers think they’re the navel of the political world, when, in truth, they’re about a foot lower and on the other side...
“He and HitLiary are in ca-hoots. He will split the Republican vote like Perot getting HitLiary elected and then she will name him her Veep as she can’t have Obama as her Veep, you know.”
Anything’s possible.
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bloomberg is not even a mainstream republican. he’s not going to pull a lot of votes away from the republican party. the case could easily be made that he will most hurt hillary since they play to similiar audiences.
How popular is he? What will he do to the Republicans if he enters the race as an independent? Is this something to be concerned about, Perotian style?
I have always believed the only way she can be elected is if there is a viable third party candidate to draw away Republican votes. It is the same way her husband was elected twice. Bloomberg is shaping up to be the Ross Perot of 2008.
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