Judge tosses out term-limits challenge

NEW YORK Judge Charles Sifton said the lawsuit's claim that the mayor and current second-term City Council members merely want to maintain their hold on power has no foundation in the record.

The lawsuit challenged on constitutional grounds plans by Bloomberg to run for a third term as mayor. It was filed by the city's comptroller, its public advocate, several council members and various citizens.

Bloomberg recently signed a bill into law that changed the city's term-limits rules. The change would allow him to run again for mayor.

Bloomberg had argued that the city needs him to stay in office and manage its finances through the economic downturn.