After three terms starting in 2001, Michael Bloomberg is leaving his post as Mayor of New York City. He gave his last State of the City address at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn yesterday at noon.
All of this means an epic race to Gracie Mansion (the Mayor's residence on the Upper East Side that Bloomberg never lived in). Most of the politicians that have thrown their hats in the ring have been waiting patiently for this moment for years.
The general election will be held on the first Tuesday of November, with primaries over the summer as late as August.
Here's who's going to play:
- Speaker of the City Council, Christine Quinn (Democrat)
- Former City Controller, Bill Thompson (Democrat)
- NYC Public Advocate, Bill de Blasio (Democrat)
- City Controller, John Liu (Democrat)
- Billionaire grocery store magnate, John Catsimatedes (Republican)
- Former MTA head, Joe Lhota (Republican)
- Former Bronx Borough President, Adolfo Carrion Jr. (no affiliation)
Don't think for a moment, by the way, that just because NYC is a liberal town a Republican candidate can't win this — that's how Bloomberg and Giuliani both won their seats.
That's what makes this race so fascinating (aside from the fact that these candidates are fighting to lead the capital of world, of course).
Some of New York's deepest pockets have already chosen sides, the king makers are shining up their crowns, the candidates are staffing up, and at this point it's anyone's game.
Gristedes founder, John Catsimatedes
Who is he?: Catsimatedes is the billionaire founder of Gristedes supermarkets. They're all over NYC. He's also heavily invested in energy through gas stations and the United Refining Company. Forbes estimates his net worth at $3 billion. He'll work for the Republican nomination.
What are his politics?: Hard to say, Catsimatedes is a known Clinton supporter but backed Romney in the Presidential election. The only concrete policy he's talked about is stimulating the city's economy by having another worlds fair. And here's what he told the NYT: “Am I a Republican? Yes. Am I a Democrat? Yes. Am I a conservative? Yes. Am I a liberal? Yes,” he said, his ringed fingers rapping the table. “We’re right in the middle. What are we? We’re pro-people. But, we’re also pro-business.”
What are his chances?: Not good. Catsimatedes has tried for the Republican before and failed. Plus, his grocery stores are not well loved in the city and he's a gaffe machine. He once likened raising taxes on the rich to Hitler punishing the Jews.
He can, however, use his massive fortune to propel his campaign, so that's something.
Publisher Tom Allon
Who is he?: A former public school teacher turned publisher and CEO of Manhattan Media, a NYC media company that publishes small local papers. Small though they may be, however, they're must-reads for city politicians. He also started two NYC high schools, Eleanor Roosevelt High School on the Upper East Side and Frank McCourt High School on the Upper West Side.
What are his politics?: Allon is a Democrat turned Republican. His campaign is emphasizing education, jobs, and government transparency.
What are his chances?: Not great. He lacks name recognition and both Catsimatedes and Joe Lhota will probably have more money than him. Still education was a Bloomberg weakness and his resume could look attractive to people who want reform.
Doe Fund founder George McDonald
Who is he?: The founder of the Doe Fund, a charity for NYC's homeless.
What are his politics?: McDonald's charity helps the homeless but he's known for saying that his organization helps people who "want a hand up, not a hand down"and he's a big fan of former Mayor Giuliani (another Republican). However, like Allon, McDonald switched his party affiliation to run on the Republican ticket.
What are his chances?: Not great. He lacks name recognition, a lot of big money is going elsewhere, and he's had some unflattering press in the past few years.
McDonald started the Doe Fund in 1985. The nonprofit group provides transitional work, housing and education opportunities for people with histories of incarceration, homelessness and substance abuse, and receives millions in city contracts. McDonald says the charity has put $250 million into the pockets of workers over the years. In 2010, however, the Daily News reported that McDonald's wife and son were also pulling in about $200,000 each annually, while McDonald's take was around $500,000, including a $100,000 honorarium bestowed on the charity for its work.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
Please follow Clusterstock on Twitter and Facebook.