Mosbacher Likes Term-Limits Exception for Bloomberg

MINNEAPOLIS—Michael Bloomberg is sending mixed messages about whether he would support extending term limits for New York City lawmakers, and Republicans here at the convention are also divided about whether it would be a good idea for Bloomberg to run again.

Georgette Mosbacher, a major Republican fund-raiser, was at the New York delegation breakfast this morning, where she told me she supports term limits--but could make an except for Bloomberg.

“I personally--if it were anybody other than Mike Bloomberg, I would go with what the people had voted for twice, and that’s no third limit,” she said. “But Michael is a unique, extraordinary mayor, and a unique man. New York State and New York City is very lucky to have him.”

She called that question “a tough one” for people that like Bloomberg.

Queens Republican Chairman Phil Ragusa disagreed.

Ragusa said, “I wasn’t crazy about term limits when it was started, but now that it’s here, I think it should be respected. Maybe we need some fresh faces.” He said after term limits kicked out a majority of City Council members in 2001, “The city hasn’t fallen apart."

"Without term limits," he added, "Michael Bloomberg wouldn’t be mayor.”