Bloomberg Wins Term Limits Lawsuit

Michael Bloomberg just won a lawsuit against critics who say he violated the law by extending term limits and by offering a seat on the charter revision commission in exchange for support from one-time critic Ron Lauder.

“The Mayor’s alleged ‘benefit’ was a former opponent’s support for a piece of legislation, not a personal or financial reward in his private capacity,” wrote Charles Sifton, a federal judge in Brooklyn, in his 64-page report.

An attorney for the plaintiffs, Norman Siegel, was on page 50 when I reached him by phone. He said they will decide later this week whether to appeal.

“We’re clearly disappointed,” he said.