New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg Quits the Republicans

Michael Bloomberg, the popular and effective mayor of New York City, has renounced his Republican allegiance, officially changing his party status to Independent. With this single action, he has fanned the immense flames of political punditry and gossip: Could he be planning a White House bid in 2008?

Since his election to the mayor's office of America's largest metropolis, Mayor Bloomberg has been a driven man. Crime and urban decay is down; property values, growth, and city funds are up. Despite raising New York City property taxes, a move he felt was necessary to address a drowning budget deficit, and one that was predicted to be political suicide, his popularity has risen higher than most politicians nationwide. He established call centers for New Yorkers to report civic problems, from broken streetlights to major incidents, wooed foreign tourism and investment back to New York City in the post 9-11 era, and made a strong effort to attract the 2012 Olympic Games before losing out to London.

Now, with his withdrawal from the GOP and re-alignment as an independent, previously quiet rumors of a presidential bid have swollen into a torrent of political gossip, and not a little fear. With his extensive wealth, Bloomberg could easily bankroll his own presidential run. What's more, he may stoke the ultimate fear of Democratic and Republican strategists alike: a powerful, well financed presidential run by a third party, independent candidate, one that siphons moderate votes away from liberals and conservatives alike. The specter of Ralph Nader, accused by many of costing Al Gore the presidency in 2000 by taking Democratic votes in a supremely close election, may rise again. This fact alone gives the issue much credence, as history would be supremely different if George W. Bush had never made it to the White House.

If Clinton wins the Democratic nomination in such a scenario, the New York vote could very well split between Bloomberg and Clinton, causing an electoral disaster for the Democrats in a heavily blue state. However, by the same token, a Romney run for the GOP could split Republican voters between the Romney ticket, and another East Coast politician, Bloomberg. And, of course, the ultimate: A head on collision between Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani. Political blood will run in the New York streets, should that come to pass.

Bloomberg's views themselves invite debate and fracture. He supports gun control, abortion, and stem cell research, all of which have been strenuously opposed by Republicans, especially President Bush, throughout the last six years. This, coupled with his success as a master businessman and leader of New York City, could give him appeal to moderate Democrats, as well as moderate Republicans not consumed by right-wing Christian demands.

Of course, all of this could be, and is, pure speculation. Bloomberg may not run. However, with months and months to go before the Election 2008 kicks into real gear, grist for the political news mill is in short supply, and this tidbit has the potential to upset the apple cart. Keep an eye on New York; it's becoming more and more likely that the Big Apple, and its state, will determine the next President of the United States.