In launching a nationwide push for same-sex marriage, Mayor Michael Bloomberg takes some credit for pushing the measure through the state Legislature:

“The idea that gay and lesbian couples would be able to marry was almost unthinkable in New York City just a few years ago,” the mayor said in his prepared remarks delivered at a news conference in Washington, D.C. “But we made it a reality by bringing together Republicans and Democrats. And that’s exactly how it should be, because marriage equality is not a partisan issue.”

Bloomberg is launching a national campaign called “Freedom to Marry.” Like he did with gun control laws, Bloomberg is recruiting fellow mayors around the country to push for same-sex marriage.

But the passage in his remarks will certainly raise eyebrows, considering the rivalry between him and Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The same-sex marriage law is Cuomo’s signature accomplishment thus far and the governor from the start of his administration lobbied fence-sitting lawmakers on the bill. He also encouraged the often fractious advocacy groups to form an umbrella coalition and avoid in-fighting.

The governor himself has said allowing gay couples to marry should spread to other states.

Bloomberg himself did lobby individual lawmakers on same-sex marriage last year and then opened up his considerably large wallet for the Republicans who voted yes.

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