Rumors may be swirling that Michael Bloomberg may run for re-election as a Democrat but it really is hard to gauge what party he wants to hang his hat on. He recently endorsed Democratic challenger Dennis Shulman for Congress out in New Jersey, but his latest push is for old-time Republican State Senator Serphin Maltese.
From PolitickerNY:
Bloomberg makes himself out to look independent with his endorsements of various candidates, but looking at the big picture shows that he is only looking out for #1. He exaggerated New York's fiscal status to scare people into giving him a shot at running for re-election. He is helping Republican Chris Shays in Connecticut, someone who has like-minded constituencies they both enjoy serving. Dennis Shulman is in New Jersey and gives Bloomberg political cover for sticking with Republicans like Maltese back here in New York.Michael Bloomberg will make his first campaign appearance with Republican State Senator Serf Maltese of Queens, who is in a tight race for re-election against Democrat Joe Addabbo, a City Councilman.
Bloomberg, an independent, has spoken openly about the need to help Republicans maintain their control of the State Senate since Democrats already control the governor's mansion and the Assembly.
The irony here is that Bloomberg's efforts may be undone by Addabbo, who Bloomberg aides encouraged to run two years ago.
Really when it comes down to it, Bloomberg is trying to hold onto as much power as he can to remake New York into a playground for the rich. With the Republicans holding on to the Senate, a bill that could overrule his term limit gambit would be stuck in the Assembly where it is currently gaining support. Further, a Democratic State Senate is something Bloomberg opposes because it would open the floodgates for legislation that would help New Yorkers other than wealthy developers. So the Mayor will do whatever it takes to keep Republicans in control so that ultimate authority in New York City will continue to rest with him.
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