Candidates Shouldn't Run for the Perks, Mayor Says

People shouldn't run for president for the perks and privileges, billionaire and potential candidate Mayor Bloomberg said yesterday.

"If they're doing it for ego reasons so somebody plays ‘Hail to the Chief,' my suggestion is you got a better chance of going into the private sector, trying to making a lot of money and hiring your own band. That would make more sense," the mayor said in an interview with National Public Radio. "The only reason to run for office is if you really want to dedicate yourself to making a difference," he added.

The founder of the media and financial information company, Bloomberg LP, insisted for the umpteenth time that he is not running, and that "there's nothing that would get me to reconsider." No one in his administration, however, has tried to quiet speculation that Mr. Bloomberg will jump into the race.

The talk about Mr. Bloomberg running for president intensified after he quit the GOP earlier this year and declared himself an independent.