Bush not campaigning for NYC Olympic bid

NEW YORK, June 21 (UPI) -- New York's delegation at next month's selection ceremony for the 2012 Olympic Games will be missing two political Georges -- President Bush and Gov. Pataki.

The New York Daily News said while British Prime Minister Tony Blair will campaign for London and French President Jacques Chirac will stump for Paris, a wide range of U.S. state, federal and local officials are passing on the event in Singapore.

Both Democratic New York senators, Chuck Schumer and Hillary Clinton are skipping the trip, as is former President Bill Clinton. High-profile former New York mayors Rudy Giuliani, David Dinkins and Ed Koch also are staying home.

However, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said at least he'll be joined by boxing legend Muhammad Ali, a 1960 Olympic gold medalist.

In addition to London and Paris, New York is also competing against Madrid and Moscow for the 2012 Games. The International Olympic Committee will select the host city in Singapore July 6.