Add another name to the list of mayoral contenders – Republican Bruce Blakeman, whose estranged wife is hot and heavy with Paul McCartney.
After months of sounding out would-be supporters and pondering his chances in this overwhelmingly Democratic city, Blakeman told The Post yesterday: “I am going to be running for mayor.”
A 52-year-old former presiding officer of the Nassau County Legislature, Blakeman said he intends to follow in the mold of both Mayor Bloomberg and his predecessor, Rudy Giuliani, and to build upon their accomplishments.
“I think there’s a real desire for continuity,” said Blakeman.
His estranged wife, MTA board member Nancy Shevell, made headlines last year when it was disclosed she was dating McCartney.
Blakeman, a lawyer and adjunct college professor, last ran for office in 1998 as the Republican nominee for state comptroller. He was defeated by Democrat Carl McCall.
The short list of possible mayoral contenders is Republican businessman John Catsimitidis. and city Comptroller Bill Thompson, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Rep. Anthony Weiner and Councilman Tony Avella of Queens for the Democrats.
“I’ve come to the conclusion all want a different name than the names out there,” Blakeman said.
Changes Bloomberg is contemplating to term limits could derail all his would-be successors, because the mayor could be looking for a third term.