A Chequer-Board of Nights and Days

Want proof that Michael Bloomberg is going to run for President? Here it is:

Mayor Michael Bloomberg is leaving the Republican party and will remain unaffiliated with any political party, CBS 2 HD learned Tuesday night.

The move will clearly begin advancing rumors that the mayor is gearing towards a presidential run, which he has denied in the past.

In a statement, however, the 65-year-old billionaire indicated this doesn't change his plans for his political future.

"I have filed papers with the New York City Board of Elections to change my status as a voter and register as unaffiliated with any political party. 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."

On Tuesday, Bloomberg was in California attending a conference at the University of Southern California along with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who said Bloomberg would make an "excellent candidate" if he were to make a presidential run.

Later, Scharzenegger reacted to hearing the news of Bloomberg's decision. "The governor was surprised to learn of the mayor's decision," Schwarzenegger spokesman Adam Mendelsohn told the AP. "He looks forward to continuing their strong working relationship. The governor has always said it doesn't matter what party you are a member of, what matters is serving the public."

Obviously, if it can be shown that the Mayor always did diverge from the core platform of the Republican Party--especially when it comes to his rampant nanny-statism--then his impact on the Republican Party ought to be minimal. But I imagine that there will be many the "moderate" Republican who will feel closer to Mayor Bloomberg than they will to the eventual Republican nominee, so votes will be lost there.

Of course, it is possible that there will be some Democrats who feel closer to Mayor Bloomberg than they might to the eventual Democratic nominee. But at a time when the political momentum remains with the Democrats and when Democrats are still tipped to win the next Presidential election, that latter number is likely a small one.