Results tagged “independent”

Mayor Bloomberg was a Democrat, then a Republican to win the 2001 election, and then neither (though with a liberal filling?), which makes him an independent (with billions), right? Yesterday, the Independence Party endorsed the mayor, who said, "I have been a Democrat, I have been a Republican and I really respect both parties. But I’ve never believed that any party has a monopoly on truth or good ideas." Politicker NY noticed how he also said, “We’re supposed to be working together... Somebody the other day criticized me for trying to help President Obama. I thought to myself ‘What kind of sick person was it that wrote that? We should not all be trying to help our new president?’ I don’t care what your party affiliation is.” That sick person is the NY Post's City Hall chief David Seifman. But Bloomberg had nothing to say about another provocative article in the Daily News, which suggested that his likely mayoral rival, City Comptroller Bill Thompson, "could pull an Obama" and beat the incumbent.

Rochester billionaire Tom Golisano does not want a state budget full of taxes and spending, so he threw down the gauntlet to state lawmakers, offering to bankroll them if they vote against it. Golisano said, "Legislators that we think act responsibly, or act independently of the speakers and the special interests, Responsible New York is here to support you. Because quite frankly, you don't have much support from these special interests and we're here to help." (Responsible New York is his political reform organization.)

Mayor Bloomberg loves to party... hop! Background: Bloomberg, a lifelong Democrat, became a Republican in 2001 to win the 2001—and 2005— mayoral elections, but in June 2007, he became an independent, perhaps setting up a third-party run for president. Well, we now we know that since Bloomberg didn't run for president, he had to get a short at a third mayoral term, so trying to get onto the Republican Party line is just the next logical step! The Post reports that "Bloomberg's political aides have started reaching out to GOP chairs in the five boroughs." Gristedes billionaire John Catsimatidis, who sees himself as the next billionaire mayor of NYC, says, "I've heard from Republican leaders he's been making phone calls." A GOP source tells the Post, "A lot of them [GOP leaders] told me they will not carry petitions for Mayor Bloomberg. They feel he bought us and sold us," but then again, "Let's be real. He's got $20 billion." Getting on the Republican Party could be important, since third-party candidates are listed lower on ballots.

One can understand losing out to San Francisco, but being out-gayed by Sydney, Australia, where homosexuality was illegal until 1984? Sydney placed second in the Independent's hierargay, apparently solely on the strength of their fabulous three-week long Mardis Gras, which is the biggest dance party in the country. The UK paper, despite heralding New York as "the gay capital of the world," deems us only worthy of the bronze. Whatever. At least we bested the Greeks—no small feat—and their gaytopia island of Mykonos, which comes in fourth. For contrast, the Independent also shouts out the five worst places to be gay, which include Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is punishable by death or whipping, and Nigeria, where even writing or talking about support for gay people can land you in prison. [Via Joe. My. God. Photo Cred.]

Mayor Michael Bloomberg hasn't totally eschewed the Republican party. According to the NY Sun, the Democrat-turned- Republican-turned- independent will be "entertaining" Nancy Reagan "as well as hosting a fund-raiser for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library." Like the former First Lady, Bloomberg has progressive views on health and science issues (like stem cells). And Bloomberg has been known to host many fund-raisers for various people and causes. But some suspect that Bloomberg might be looking for...