"Despite high poll ratings and a hefty advantage in campaign cash," New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) "has been adjusting his strategy, taking unusual steps to distance himself from his own Republican Party while failing to engage an energized" Democratic opponent, Fernando Ferrer, the New York Times reports.
"As Mr. Ferrer has linked him at every opportunity to President Bush's current political troubles, Mr. Bloomberg has been drawn away from his tight focus on city issues and into divisive national debates over Hurricane Katrina and abortion rights, much to the delight of Mr. Ferrer and New York Democrats."
Newsday notes Bloomberg has "distanced himself from a Bush administration policy" twice in the last four days.