Rep. Weiner just published an op-ed in the Times titled "Why I'm Not Running for Mayor":
The other truth is that the Supreme Court decision in 1976 in Buckley v. Valeo, which allows candidates to spend however much they want on their own races, makes it possible for billionaires to swamp middle-class candidates. In this case, a sports analogy is apt: If one football team has 110 players on the field, the team with 11 has a hard time getting through the blocking and tackling on the crowded turf.
The personal choice for me is whether to run for mayor this year. I've taken stock of my life, my work in Washington and decided that now is not the right time to run. I believe I have a contribution to make in Congress fighting for New Yorkers. (I'd also like to build a family.)
Essentially he makes 2 points: 1) it's good to be in Washington right now with Obama and huge Democratic majorities so he can be involved in lots of progressive lawmaking, and 2) Bloomberg will spend such ungodly amounts of money he would have no chance of winning. Both are true.
Bloomberg's re-election was already essentially a fait accopmpli, but now it's basically as in the bank as you can get. I don't see any of the remaining candidates, Bill Thompson or Tony Avella pulling this thing off.
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