First he was a democrat, then a republican (well not really), and now he’s an INDEPENDENT!

“Mayor Michael Bloomberg is leaving the Republican party and will remain unaffiliated with any political party, CBS 2 HD learned Tuesday night.

The move will clearly begin advancing rumors that the mayor is gearing towards a presidential run, which he has denied in the past.

In a statement, however, the 65-year-old billionaire indicated this doesn’t change his plans for his political future.

“I have filed papers with the New York City Board of Elections to change my status as a voter and register as unaffiliated with any political party. Although my plans for the future haven‚Äôt changed, I believe this brings my affiliation into alignment with how I have led and will continue to lead our City.”

On Tuesday, Bloomberg was in California attending a conference at the University of Southern California along with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who said Bloomberg would make an “excellent candidate” if he were to make a presidential run.

Later, Scharzenegger reacted to hearing the news of Bloomberg’s decision. “The governor was surprised to learn of the mayor’s decision,” Schwarzenegger spokesman Adam Mendelsohn told the AP. “He looks forward to continuing their strong working relationship. The governor has always said it doesn’t matter what party you are a member of, what matters is serving the public.”

The pair appeared on this week’s cover of Time magazine. ”

Yeah, ‘Excellent President’. Unfortunately for Bloomberg, Hillary will be the socialist candidate. But I’ve no time for putzy politicians who flip like a pancake just to get elected. It says a lot about his character.

Don Surber has an excellent take on this in comparing Bloomberg with another nutjob billionaire Ross Perot, without whom, Clinton would have never gotten elected.

Don quips: “All I can say to smokers is light ‚Äòem if you got ‚Äòem because under President Bloomberg, you‚Äôll have to go to Mexico to smoke.”

Might be a plan, the way their jumping the border there is plenty of room down there.

UPDATE: Capt Ed has a roundup of reacts.