Hizzoner In California Not Running For President

Because of course New York City mayors always travel to California for photo-ops with other independent-minded elected officials:

Mayor Bloomberg outlined an ambitious environmental agenda for New York City yesterday while standing next to California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a move designed to raise the mayor’s national profile as speculation mounts about his potential bid for the White House in 2008.

. . .

Schwarzenegger, who is facing reelection this fall, said Bloomberg is “not only a fantastic mayor of New York City, but he’s also a great national leader.”

When a reporter asked whether Bloomberg was in California to test the waters for a 2008 presidential bid, Schwarzenegger responded facetiously.

“What? I can’t believe that. This is unbelievable,” joked the governor, drawing laughter. Asked if he would urge Bloomberg to run for President, the governor said he and the mayor haven’t discussed the issue. But he described himself as a “big fan” of Bloomberg’s because he said the mayor is “interested in getting the job done.”

“I admire Mayor Bloomberg,” Schwarzenegger said. “He’s my soul mate. He’s the man.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Bloomberg announced several environment-related initiatives, including creating an “Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability” that will evaluate the environmental soundness of the city’s land-use plans.

First the New York City Department of Homeland Security, then the War on Poverty, now the local version of the EPA. Next up, expect the mayor to announce a stem-cell initiative . . .