Spin Cycle

Joseph Mondello, the state and Nassau Republican chairman, was quoted in the Post today admitting that he is concerned that billionaire New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg could spend his way into power with the party’s county chairs.

“You can’t underestimate his money,” Mondello said. “If he was to drop $20,000 on every chairman, I might as well pack my bags and head to Florida. Let’s face it, money talks.”

Confirming Mondello’s message, Matt Walter, the state party’s executive director, told us that while Mondello has been personally cordial with Bloomberg, his role as state chair is “to fight for the party…if anyone from outside tries to exert undue influence.”

That makes sense – if indeed someone is trying to exert outside influence. At least one Bloomberg political aide who is on the city payroll at top salary has yet to respond to our inquiry. We'll let you know what the Great Maintainer is responding as soon as we hear it.

These party-rebellion scenarios involving Bloomberg – especially odd since he quit the GOP last year and registered without party affiliation -- appear to be as vaporous as the rumors he’d run for president, the rumors he’ll run for governor, and the rumors he’ll try to change the term-limits law and stay on as mayor. None have panned out.

Still, as one Republican insider noted, “With the mayor you never know. He loves to see his name in print. Obviously that was the case with the presidential candidacy..."

Dan Janison