Why He Might Win: Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg is the incumbent and the clear front-runner in most opinion polls. He has been endorsed by all the major NYC newspapers (The Times, The Daily News, The Post) and many prominent New Yorkers. His recent announcement of a record $3.3 billion surplus for the city made a positive impression on voters. He has also proposed cutting taxes, increasing education spending, and more garbage pick-ups -- all ideas that will likely make voters happy.
Why He Might Lose: Bloomberg has fielded criticisms about his record and issues from the West Side Stadium to public school policy. According to the New York Times, power brokers have warned Bloomberg that he must tone down his image as an elitist billionaire and show he cares about average New Yorkers. Bloomberg has also been criticized about his ties to President George W. Bush, who isn't particularly well-loved in New York City.
Background and Qualifications: Bloomberg was elected as New York City Mayor in 2001. He is the founder of Bloomberg LP, an international finance company and news conglomerate. He has an undergraduate degree from John Hopkins University and an MBA from Harvard.
