Mayor Michael Bloomberg Launches Super PAC To Sway 2012 Races

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is launching his own super PAC as a means to influence the 2012 electoral races as they come to an end. Bloomberg plans to spend between $10 million and $15 million in state, local and congressional races.

According to the announcement on Bloomberg’s website, the mayor, a registered independent, intends to direct his funds based on three main issues: tougher gun laws, legalized same-sex marriage, and education reform.

Per that announcement:

“It’s critically important that we have elected officials in Washington, Albany, and around the nation who are willing to work across party lines to achieve real results,” Mayor Bloomberg said. “I’ve always believed in the need for more independent leadership, and this new effort will support candidates and causes that will help protect Americans from the scourge of gun violence, improve our schools, and advance our freedoms.”

The New York Times notes some of the politicians Bloomberg will support, including “former Gov. Angus King, an independent running for the United States Senate in Maine; State Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod, who is challenging a fellow Democrat, Representative Joe Baca of California, who the mayor believes has been weak on gun-control; and Representative Bob Dold, a Republican from Illinois who has backed gun-control measures.”

The Times further observed that making the move so late in the game, “when less partisan voters are beginning to pay attention, Mr. Bloomberg and his aides are betting that his financial support can make a major difference in especially close contests.”

The PAC, Independence USA PAC, will be registered on Thursday.