Mayor Bloomberg (Getty)

Mayor Michael Bloomberg dismissed the idea he might run for president during a press conference announcing the opening of Facebook’s new New York City engineering offices today. “I’m not running for president plain and simple,” Mayor Bloomberg said.

Recent statements by the mayor on national issues including the failure of the Congressional debt reduction supercommittee have fueled growing speculation he might have his eye on the White House. At Facebook, Mayor Bloomberg shot down that idea in response to a question posed by the Observer.

“I am very concerned about what goes on nationally because I live here, and my kids live here and I’m an American. I’m very concerned about what goes on in this country as it to the effect it has on New York City,” said Mayor Bloomberg.

Mayor Bloomberg cited three national issues he’s particularly concerned with.

“Immigration is a national problem we’re committing suicide for this country and it’s not good for New York City. Guns on the streets, I’m speaking out about,” Mayor Bloomberg said. “Healthcare–our city pension costs have gone up dramatically our healthcare costs have gone up even more. These are the issues that we have to focus on.”

Though he has no plans to stop weighing in on national issues, Mayor Bloomberg wanted it to be painstakingly clear he’s not planning to enter the presidential race.

“Yes, I’m going to continue to speak out, it does not mean that I’m running for president and I’m not running for president,” Mayor Bloomberg said. “How many times do I have to tell you?”

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