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Bloomberg to Treasury? Mayor's Office Says No
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg presents a budget update for the fiscal year in this May 6, 2010 photo.
(Credit: AP Photo)The New York Post is reporting today that "there are whispers" that the White House is looking to tap New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg to replace Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.
The Post ties the claim to unnamed sources, one of whom is quoted as saying, "It's been the focus of a lot of discussion. He's very well-liked and well-respected on Wall Street."
But a senior White House official poured cold water on the Post piece, telling CBS News Chief Political Consultant Marc Ambinder that it isn't true.
Added a spokesman for Bloomberg: "The President didn't float anything, and the Mayor hasn't had a boss in almost 30 years. He has zero interest in Treasury and is one of Geithner's biggest supporters."
Last Friday, Bloomberg played golf with President Obama during the president's Martha's Vineyard vacation; the White House said at the time that the two discussed the economy for fifteen minutes before hitting the driving range and course.
Asked by the Wall Street Journal if the two men discussed the 2012 presidential race or Bloomberg's plans after he leaves the mayor's office, the politically independent Bloomberg replied: "We did not talk about 2012 or anybody that would run and certainly not about me. I have 1,218 days left to go in this job and I plan to serve them all out."
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Brian Montopoli Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
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