Bloomberg: I’ll Only Leave Office If I Die Before Term

Mayor Bloomberg says there are only two ways he will leave office before his third term ends in 2013. Death or “total incapacitation,” as he puts it.

The billionaire mayor has long been rumored to have his eye on other opportunities.

He tested the waters for an independent presidential campaign in 2008 but decided to change term-limits law and seek a third term as mayor instead.

That year Bloomberg was also mentioned as a vice-presidential pick for both parties. Bloomberg aides and boosters have also enjoyed floating his name as a possibility for various other national jobs.

But the 68-year-old Republican-turned-independent told reporters Wednesday he is pledging to stay put.

{AP/Matzav.com Newscenter}