Deadline Approaching

As another President's Day comes and goes, it seems that yet another New Yorker may be shut out of the presidential race. First it was Rudy Giuliani, then Senator Clinton's prospects began to weak, and now Mayor Bloomberg's chances at a presidential bid may soon disappear. There is still time for Bloomberg to enter the race - March 5th will be the date to watch, as it is the earliest opportunity for potential independents to petition to be on the ballot; Texas is the first state in the process. Though he again stated that he is not interested in running for president, Bloomberg displayed his continuing "concern" for national issues by speaking out against the tax rebates which will be part of the economic stimulus package that was passed by congress and signed by the president last week. Nevertheless, the potential for Obama and McCain to pick up independent voters is so strong that Bloomberg might be spurned even if he did enter the race. The longer Bloomberg waits, the dimmer his prospects become.