Bloomberg: Unaffiliated

New York (AP)  -- 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.

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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.''
   
In a speech this evening at a dinner that kicked off a University of Southern California conference about the advantages of nonpartisan governing, Bloomberg said ``the politics of partisanship and the resulting inaction and excuses have paralyzed decision-making, primarily at the federal level, and the big issues of the day are not being addressed, leaving our future in jeopardy.''
   
Throughout his five and a half years as mayor, Bloomberg has often been at odds with his party and President Bush.

What do local politicians say about the Mayor's announcement?

June 19, 2007

STATEMENT BY MAYOR BLOOMBERG ON PARTY AFFILIATION

“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. 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.

“A nonpartisan approach has worked wonders in New York: we’ve balanced budgets, grown our economy, improved public health, reformed the school system and made the nation’s safest city even safer.

“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.

“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.”

STATEMENT BY SENATE MAJORITY LEADER JOSEPH L. BRUNO

Mayor Bloomberg has built a remarkable record in office and has delivered results, because of his tremendous ability to work with people of all political parties and persuasions and regardless of his own political affiliation.

He has provided strong and exemplary leadership on fiscal issues and the Senate has been proud to work him on measures to strengthen the City’s finances, improve the quality of life in the City and ensure the safety of its residents.

The Senate Majority is proud to partner with Mayor Bloomberg on behalf of people of the City of New York and we look forward to working with him in the future, building on our relationship and doing more great things for New York City.