Harassment Allegation Could Haunt Bloomberg

Mayor still denies he's running for president
By Sam Biddle,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 29, 2007 10:49 AM CDT
Harassment Allegation Could Haunt Bloomberg
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg speaks about his education plan to National Urban League executives during a luncheon Wednesday, July 25, 2007, in St. Louis. Bloomberg, a potential independent presidential candidate, is pushing for performance-based merit pay for teachers in the nation's public schools....   (Associated Press)

A 1997 sexual harassment suit against Michael Bloomberg could become an obstacle if the New York mayor attempts a presidential run, the AP reports. Although the suit was settled in 2000 and has not been a political liability during his term, the allegations that he made bawdy remarks to a female executive at his company may hurt his support elsewhere.

Bloomberg denied the allegation; a confidentiality agreement covers the settlement, which did not include an admission of guilt. The moderate mayor's recent defection from the Republican Party led to speculation regarding his future presidential candidacy even though he insists his increased travel outside New York does not foreshadow a broader campaign. (More presidential campaign stories.)

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