Bloomberg leaving (R)'s and becoming (I)

[davidwparker]

Just heard on AAR

[Renew Deal]

1. Seriously?

Or is that just rumor?

[davidwparker]

2. Maddow just announced it.

[Renew Deal]

3. Announced it as in it's actually happening?

I'm from NY. That's big news. It means he might run for president.

[davidwparker]

4. that's my take. because many people are fed up with both parties, he's

running as an independent.

You're from NY? He was at one time a Democrat. How is he as mayor? Bloomberg seems decent from the outside and he was a Democrat for a long time (Rachel Maddow just said.)

If Hillary is the nominee (meaning Gore doesn't run), I have an alternative to Hillary.

[onehandle]

5. Nader 2008. That's what Bloomberg would be.

Paving the way for the GOP to have another eight years.

[davidwparker]

6. David Bender -- talking to Rachel Maddow -- believes Bloomberg

would take from both parties. I agree with that.

People are just sick of both parties. This is why both sides are now claiming Independent.

It would be interesting. Still hoping Gore enters the race, though.

[Bucky]

13. Pff. If the party nominates Clinton, I'll hold my nose and vote Clinton.

Third party is for shit. Anything that bothers you about Clinton regarding her friendliness to corporations--I guarantee you Bloomberg will be just as bad. If my choice is between three corporate owned candidates, one of whom will ignore you, one of whom will listen to your, and one of whom will pretend to listen to you and owes you her election---the choice is obvious. Not pleasant, but obvious.

[Adelante]

7. Wow

Indy fits him more than Repuke ever did.

[flpoljunkie]

8. From the NYT's political editor, Adam Nagourney, on Bloomberg's switch

June 19, 2007, 6:21 pm
Mayor Bloomberg Quits the G.O.P.
By Adam Nagourney

Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced tonight that he is quitting the Republican party and changing his affiliation to independent.

The announcement came after Mr. Bloomberg gave a speech denouncing partisan gridlock in Washington, stirring renewed speculation that he is preparing to run as an independent or third-party candidate in 2008.

“I have filed papers with the New York City Board of Elections to change my status as a voter and register as unaffiliated with any political party,” he said in a statement issued while he was in California delivering political speeches. “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.” The full text of his announcement is on the new City Room blog.

Mr. Bloomberg is a former Democrat who won the New York City mayoralty in 2001 running as Republican. The mayor, who cannot seek a third term, has said he had no plans to run for president, but has declined to shut the door completely on a White House bid.

“We have achieved real progress by overcoming the partisanship that too often puts narrow interests above the common good. As a political independent, I will continue to work with those in all political parties to find common ground, to put partisanship aside and to achieve real solutions to the challenges we face,” he said.

“Any successful elected executive knows that real results are more important than partisan battles and that good ideas should take precedence over rigid adherence to any particular political ideology. Working together, there s no limit to what we can do.'’

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/06/19/mayor-bloomberg-quits-the-gop/

[Contrary1]

9. MSNBC is reporting it:

NEW YORK - Mayor Michael Bloomberg has left the Republican Party and announced he is unaffiliated with any political party, a move certain to heighten presidential speculation to a fever pitch despite his repeated denials that he is running.

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 for the way the country is run by partisan politics.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19317522/

[CK_John]

10. Don't want to say, "I told you so", but I told you so. Also his VP will be

IMO, Melinda Gates. I hope that mine and other post about this IND movement has forced them to push up their timetable and let our campaign managers adjust for this movement. Right now he has a 50/50 chance of winning and probably our biggest threat.

[jcrew2001]

11. Will he get on Unity 2008?

if he is an independent?

[CK_John]

12. He will form his own organization and get on all 50 ballots. Unity is just

an idea with no money or organization.