Bloomberg Steps In to Help G.O.P. in Albany Fight-$500,000

[babylonsister]

Bloomberg Steps In to Help G.O.P. in Albany Fight
By RAYMOND HERNANDEZ


While declaring his commitment to nonpartisanship, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg is quietly injecting himself — and his money — into one of the most explosive partisan battles in decades in New York.

Several weeks ago, the mayor wrote a $500,000 check to help keep the dwindling and increasingly imperiled State Senate Republicans from losing their grip on power, according to an official with direct knowledge of the donation.

The Democrats are seeking to gain control of the Senate for the first time in 40 years, and the race is growing personal and bitter.

Moreover, Mr. Bloomberg has made clear to the Republicans that he is willing to personally campaign for G.O.P. senators.

The mayor’s efforts to buttress the party stand in sharp contrast to his message as he traveled the country flirting with a presidential bid during the past year. Mr. Bloomberg has promoted his independence, denouncing party politics and dramatically announcing his resignation from the Republican Party.

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http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/01/nyregion/01bloomberg.html?_r=2&ei=5088&en=6f70396bd071281e&ex=1362114000&oref=slogin&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&pagewanted=print&oref=slogin

[mikehiggins]

1. Mikey probably realises an ineffective Albany is a lot better for

most new yorkers than one where Sheldon Silver calls all the shots. At the very least, Silver's successful opposition to all sorts of Bloomberg initiatives over the last seven years gives Mike more than enough reason not to see the guy have even more to say about what goes on in the Empire STate.

[Smarmie Doofus]

2. "Relationship George" no longer; where are we going now? nt