News / People
Michael Bloomberg Drops GOP, Could Enter Presidential Race as Independent
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has left the Republican Party and now could be eyeing a spot in the 2008 presidential race as an independent.
Bloomberg has been mayor of New York City for the past five years and during that time he has been at odds with the traditional values of the Republican Party. He has been an outspoken supporter of gay marriage as well as abortion rights while standing firm in his belief that there should be tougher gun laws as well as funding for stem cell research.
Speaking on Tuesday about his decision to leave the Republican Party Bloomberg said, “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.”
Many believe the move was Bloomberg’s first step towards entering the 2008 presidential race and avoiding an already crowded GOP primary.
As a third-party candidate Bloomberg would be digging deep into his own pockets for a presidential campaign but with an estimated worth of over $5 billion he should have little trouble handling the costs.
