Just what we need: "Bloomberg Has Harsh Words for Washington"

[in_cog_ni_to]

Bloomberg Has Harsh Words for Washington

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, left, speaks during a press conferenc...
By MICHAEL R. BLOOD, AP
52 minutes ago




<snip>
In remarks clearly aimed at a national audience, the mayor said politics trumps common sense in Congress, where pork-barrel spending takes priority. Inevitably, the economy will be strangled if goods and people can't move easily, he warned.

"In politics, winning elections and protecting a party majority is more important than solving problems. And so short-term pork invariably wins over long-term investments," the mayor said.

Washington "spends money to win votes and collect campaign cash no matter what the real needs are," Bloomberg added. "It's hurting our country."

The Democrat-turned-Republican-turned-independent mayor appeared with Govs. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California, a Republican, and Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania, a Democrat, to announce a coalition that would push for more investment in ports, highways and other infrastructure. Both governors are known for reaching across party lines to achieve compromise.

"We have an independent here, we have a Democrat here, a Republican. I mean, how much better can you get?" Schwarzenegger said.<snip>

<snip>
In an era when the public views government with suspicion and loathing, the billionaire mayor is honing an image as an innovative problem-solver working outside the partisan scrum of Washington politics.

Aides say Bloomberg will delay a decision until after the major parties produce clear front-runners.

Bloomberg has been quietly polling and analyzing voting trends in every state as he contemplates launching a campaign. On Tuesday, his supporters launched a 50-state petition drive in an attempt to "draft" him into the race.

As an independent candidate in California, Bloomberg would have to collect nearly 160,000 voter signatures between April 25 and August 8 to qualify for the ballot.

The billionaire mayor could fund the most lavish — and expensive — campaign in history, but the record of third-party candidates like Perot is not impressive.

"They usually show promise early on, and then voters go back to their partisan loyalties," said Democratic consultant Bill Carrick, who's worked on presidential campaigns for Bill Clinton, Dick Gephardt and Ted Kennedy.

Bloomberg met privately Friday with Clay Mulford, who is well-versed in third-party ballot access and served as campaign manager for Perot. The Texas businessman sought the presidency in 1992 and 1996<snip>

http://www6.comcast.net/news/articles/general/2008/01/07/Bloomberg.2008/

edited to add picture.

[SoCalDem]

1. Actually he's right. .Like a husband/wife without a job

who uses the household money to pay a dating serive to find a cuter mate..

[madeline_con]

2. AHHHnold will remain neutral...

Schwarzenegger to remain neutral in presidential race

The California governor says he will not be endorsing any candidate. He denies that he's waiting for his 'soul mate,' Michael Bloomberg to enter the race.

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-me-arnold20jan20,0,4633588.story?coll=la-home-center

[allalone]

3. what we need all right

comments from mayors. we have 2000 people in our town, wonder what our mayor has to
say.

[AnOhioan]

4. He is right about the Parties

They are more concerned with holding on to power than anything else

[in_cog_ni_to]

5. That's not the point. Want another repuke administration? Let Bloomberg run.

That would SUCK....big time.

[AnOhioan]

6. Oh I forgot...here in DU ya gotta tow the party line

My bad :eyes:

[in_cog_ni_to]

7. It IS the DEMOCRATIC UNDERGROUND. It's not the Independent Underground and Bloomberg running would

be a nightmare for the Democrats.

[AnOhioan]

8. Thanks for making my point

Your opinion is noted.

[in_cog_ni_to]

9. You're very welcome. n/t