Posted on 03/02/2008 12:28:01 AM PST by neverdem
While declaring his commitment to nonpartisanship, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg is quietly injecting himself — and his money — into one of the most explosive partisan battles in decades in New York.
Several weeks ago, the mayor wrote a $500,000 check to help keep the dwindling and increasingly imperiled State Senate Republicans from losing their grip on power, according to an official with direct knowledge of the donation.
The Democrats are seeking to gain control of the Senate for the first time in 40 years, and the race is growing personal and bitter.
Moreover, Mr. Bloomberg has made clear to the Republicans that he is willing to personally campaign for G.O.P. senators.
The mayor’s efforts to buttress the party stand in sharp contrast to his message as he traveled the country flirting with a presidential bid during the past year. Mr. Bloomberg has promoted his independence, denouncing party politics and dramatically announcing his resignation from the Republican Party.
“The politics of partisanship and the resulting inaction and excuses have paralyzed decision-making, primarily at the federal level, and the big issues of the day are not being addressed, leaving our future in jeopardy,” the mayor said at a much-noted speech in June that set off presidential speculation. “We can accept this, or we can say, ‘Enough is enough!’ and together build a bright future for our country.”
Stu Loeser, a Bloomberg spokesman, declined to comment for this article. But in the past, the mayor’s camp has said that the Senate Republicans have been crucially important in advancing the city’s agenda in Albany.
Senate Republicans say privately that Mr. Bloomberg may well emerge as perhaps their biggest political benefactor in the coming election, which Joseph L. Bruno, the Senate majority leader, has likened to a war...
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
Maybe he’s greasing the skids for a poke at the Governor’s mansion.
Michael Bloomberg - contemporary Crassus.
MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG: I’m Not Running for President, but ...
ATF Shares NY City Crime Gun Data
FReepmail me if you want on or off my New York ping list.
With Republicans like these, who needs Democrats?
Messiah?
I have many relatives in NY. They are mostly liberal Democrats but they feel NY Governor Spitzer has been a total disaster in his short time as Governor. They fear that if Democrats get control of the legislature Spitzer will become uncontrollable and really dangerous. Maybe Bloomberg feels the same way.
Thanks for the ping!
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