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.
Beat me by 3 minutes !!!!!
“New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg left the Republican Party on Tuesday...”
....only to find out no one cared.....
Beat me by 3 minutes !!!!!
“New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg left the Republican Party on Tuesday...”
....only to find out no one cared.....
At least he finally came out of the closet.
Just saw this on Drudge. Pop the champagne, give him a swift kick out the door as he exits, and urge him to run for president. The dems will love him. My suggestion as running mate: Maria Kennedy Shriver. Then Arnold and Michael will tour the states arm in arm, picking up the Kennedy Democrats and the RINO’s, paving the way for the FredNewt team, or any combination of the real good guys.
So he came out of the closet?
He never was a Republican. He changed parties prior to the NYC Mayorial election, to follow in Rudy's footsteps.
My hope is that this isn't another Perot, that takes votes from the Republican candidate.
Guess here, is that he will hurt his Democrat base and take votes from the Dummy candidate.!
What will, of course, be hysterical is when Bloomberg does some early polling and finds out all the conservative Dems are with Fred and all the liberal Repubs are with Rudy.
Which I guess leaves Bloomie the less deranged members of Daily Kos.
Time to grab the popcorn.
...and don't let the door hit you in your fat a**!
Billionaire turd.
Now only if Ahnold will do us CA repubs a favor and leave the party....
Oh how I wish the state GOP would kick him out first.
If you recall, Democrats were running Andrew Cuomo (Bill Clinton's HUD Secretary) and Carl McCall. Seeing this, Bloomberg ran as a Republican instead. When the Clinton's ultimately endorsed McCall (an African-American), Cuomo dropped out and McCall lost to Bloomberg.
It's no wonder that Bloomberg is returning to his roots, now that he doesn't need his GOP credentials anymore.
-PJ
Careful for what you wish for
I do not want my guns confiscated
Blooomberg never was a Republican, except to avoid the Democratic Primary for NYC Mayor.
How does one stop what one never started?
Good riddance.
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.