BREAKING: Bloomberg Goes From Fake to Ex-Republican

Our lovable, pragmatic mayor is now officially an independent-- many feel that this is a first step to a third-party run for president. CBS reports:

Mayor Michael Bloomberg has left the Republican party and registered as unaffiliated with any political party, a move certain to heighten presidential speculation to a fever pitch, despite his denials that he's 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 doesn't mean he is running for president. Bloomberg said his plans for the future haven't changed, adding "I believe this brings my affiliation into alignment with how I have led and will continue to lead our city.''

Let the intense speculation begin-- but don't expect an official announcement any time soon.

Related:
Statement from New York Republicans-- "we look forward to working with him in the future"
The Times weighs in: "a major jolt to the presidential campaign."
Reuters: "odds of winning are practically nil."

Bloomberg in California with Governor Schwarzenegger and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, by Reed Saxon/AP

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jake Dobkin in News on June 19, 2007 7:02 PM

Comments [rss]

samsamsam

Why would this be a gift to the Democrats?

metropolisist

why is this a shock?

he was a lifelong democrat before switching parties in 2001 so he could more easily win the mayoral race

guest

Giuliani vs. Clinton vs. Bloomberg?

I heard Dick Morris predicting this more than two months ago.

He also predicted Giuliani would win.

VanessaNYC

I like Bloomberg too, but this news it totally irrelevant as our next president is...

OBAMA, baby!

Barack the vote.

delanie

I wonder if he will campaign on banning things. It seems to have served him well in New York.

guest

Now that Bloomie's jumped ship, that leaves Arnold Schwarzenegger as the only sensible Republican.

... haha oh wow.

will

schmod, bloomie's great so long as you only eat the food he wants you to eat.

Tim N.

Unless Rudy is the nominee, then this is actually bad news for the Dems. On the other hand, if Giuliani does get the nod, then things should get very interesting, since ol' 9/11 won't be able to run on that whole "I, and only I, brought NYC back" thingee.

Man, the Whore must be hopping mad tonight, since it was his endorsement that allowed Bloomberg to be mayor in the first place.

Barry Popik

I'm shocked (SHOCKED!) and stunned!!

Elderta

Actually, he hasn't announced anything. Yet.

guest

He's running so Hillary would win. He's been a democrat all along.

schmod

I think that Bloomberg is actually a pretty nice compromise between the Republicans and Democrats. I was skeptical when he was first elected, but he's proven to be an extremely competent and effective mayor.

Giuliani's campaign sort of destroyed whatever respect I had for the man. I also think that Hillary would be a disaster in office.

His odds might actually be decent. Of course, if he runs, there is a very strong possibility that a simple majority would not be reached in 2008, which would more likely than not throw the election to Hillary.

lisalisa

put it this way, if bloomie runs, and giuliani is the republlican nominee, giuliani might as well forfeit.

Blairy Blair

Peoria should be overtaken by large rabid rats.

Blairy Blair

Hillary must be jumping for joy. The whole "third party screws the Republicans" scenario is falling into place again.

Tim N.

I have to admit, this is pretty cool.

guest

Sounds better than HillaryGuliani

Toby von Meistersinger

Given the history of the insane nature of New York City fusion politics, this is not a shock.

guest

#3 is right,

we need someone dumber to fool you guys in Peoria, like the guy in there now.

guest

He may fool you city slickers and big city folks but it won't play out in Peoria.

A Bostonian and a New Yorker.

Elderta

What a flip-flopper!

But I must admit, this partisan hack likes him.

Oh brother... does this mean we're gonna have another Republican president in 2008? Oh dear God, no!