Bloomberg to run for 3rd term (Breaks the law the voters passed)

NY Times ^ | 9/30/2008 | MICHAEL BARBARO

[GreaterSwiss]

After months of speculation about his political future, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg plans to announce on Thursday morning that he will seek a third term as mayor, according to three people who have been told of his plans. ight now, Mr. Bloomberg is barred by law from seeking re-election. But he will propose trying to revise the city’s 15-year-old term limits law, which would otherwise force him and dozens of other elected leaders out of office in 2009, the three people said. In his announcement, Mr. Bloomberg, a former Wall Street trader and founder of a billion-dollar financial data firm, is expected to argue that the financial crisis unfolding in New York City demands his steady hand and proven business acumen. The move represents an about-face for Mr. Bloomberg, who has repeatedly said he supports term limits and once called an effort to revise the law “disgusting.” He will apparently try to do so through legislation in the City Council, rather than the ballot box. Mr. Bloomberg’s gambit carries significant political risk. The city’s term limits law was passed twice by voters, in 1993 and 1996, and several polls show widespread popular support for keeping it in place. Under the plan Mr. Bloomberg has outlined to associates, those voters will have no say in the matter, raising the possibility of a backlash. Mr. Bloomberg, 66, who in public statements in recent weeks has become equivocal about term limits, has discussed in detail with his

[counterpunch]

In his announcement, Mr. Bloomberg, a former Wall Street trader and founder of a billion-dollar financial data firm, is expected to argue that the financial crisis unfolding in New York City demands his steady hand

This is how free people succumb to dictatorships.
 

[GOP_Lady]

Indeed. Surely, Bloomberg can't be the ONLY qualified person to be NYC Mayor.

[Harrius Magnus]

Your disregard for principle (and voter law) demonstrates the adage of getting the government you deserve.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Rudy’s probably going to run for Governor in 2010. He’s not going to deal with that crap. Bloomberg is an idiot and now thinks the law doesn’t apply to him.

[GOP_Lady]

From Rush Limbaugh's website:

Bloomberg: Ross Perot on Steroids

May 16, 2007

BEGIN TRANSCRIPT

RUSH: Michael Bloomberg, the mayor of New York, hs put aside $1 billion to run for president. This is Ross Perot on steroids, folks. He wants Chuck Hagel as his running mate, or Hagel wants to be his running mate. Don't laugh at this. A billion dollars! He's got millions more than that, billions more than that. This is going to be interesting. This is a guy on a trans-fat ban, smoking ban, green up the city. Is the country really ready for somebody who absolutely believes in our freedom to abort babies, but not to smoke or eat trans-fats in public? We'll find out. That's why I say, it's so early, folks.

"Rush, which candidate you support?"

I don't know. Nobody yet. It's too early. There are five hundred days 'til the first primary vote. Anything can happen, and this is just an example of it.

END TRANSCRIPT

[fieldmarshaldj]

*ping*

Check it out. The midget thinks he’s Fiorello La Guardia.

[GOP_Lady]

Hope all is well, field! :-)

I actually saw on Fox News this morning a very nice GOP Lady who worked in the Nixon, Reagan and Bush White House. She actually wished Bloomberg would run for NY Governor.

[Clemenza]

The best I can say about this Masshole is that a third term would still be preferable to the first term of Anthony “Not that there’s anything wrong with it” Weiner.

[Clemenza]

The best I can say about this Masshole transplant is that a third term would still be preferable to the first term of Anthony “Not that there’s anything wrong with it” Weiner.

[fieldmarshaldj]

I’m wondering just what party label he thinks he’s going to run under. He already tossed off his Republican affiliation. Independent Egotist label, perhaps ? Last candidate to win running absent the GOP or Dem line was when the ghastly John Vliet Linds*y won reelection on the Liberal line in 1969. For those that think Dinkins was the worst Mayor in NYC history, nuh uh. It was ole Jack “I’m the next JFK” Vlee.

[GOP_Lady]

I just can’t understand why NYCers can’t understand why other parts of the country wouldn’t want him as their dog catcher.

[jersey117]

Look at where this country is headed. The next mayor will be a sharpton type mayor. Bloomberg cannot run again unless NYers vote on changing the law so there’s really no need to freak out about it. Look what we may get leading us on the national level? Imagine this scenario played out in cities across the country.

[MarkL]

This isn’t such a terrible thing. If Bloomberg doesn’t run again, chances are very high that we could get another Dinkins.

The last time I was in NYC, 2 years ago, I noticed how much things had gone down-hill as far as civility and cleanliness, from the days when Rudy was Mayor. Now don't get me wrong. I remember how bad things had gotten during the Dinkins administration (heck, from the time of Abe Beam). Rudy got the city's "act together." But things have been slipping since Bloomberg took over. Maybe NYC residents need to be reminded of how bad things can be.

Of course, not living there, or even on the east coast anymore, it's easy for me to say.

Mark

[Impy]

If he gets the law changed, I hope the rat beats him (unless the GOP can find some one decent and pull off a 3-way miracle). Congestion charging? Go run for Mayor of Paris Mikey.

[fieldmarshaldj]

It’d be nice to see a decent GOP candidate getting in with a plurality over “Independent liberal” Bloomie and regular rodent Congressman Anthony Lips & A$$holes.

[Impy]

As long as it’s not James Molinaro.

If the GOP did get someone good he’d probably back someone else for the Conservative party ticket.

[LayoutGuru2]

...those voters will have no say in the matter...

Sure they will. Don't vote for the scumbag.