Rand Paul not surprised by 'Nanny Bloomberg' endorsement

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) slammed New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg for his ban on large sodas after Bloomberg endorsed President Obama.

Speaking on CNN, Paul cited the soda ban when he said he didn't expect "Nanny Bloomberg" (I) to endorse Republican Mitt Romney.

"I don't think many of us thought that 'Nanny Bloomberg' was going to be endorsing a Republican any time soon. We can't even get a decent-sized Coke to drink in New York City anymore. So, I don't think his proclivities or his sort of sense of philosophy really is Republican much at all," Paul said Thursday. 

Bloomberg has raised ire in conservative circles with his ban on large sugary drinks, a policy now being challenged in court.

The ban applies to sodas larger than 16 ounces at restaurants, movie theaters and similar venues in New York City. Opponents see it as an example of government paternalism, while supporters say it is necessary to fight obesity.

Bloomberg's endorsement came as a surprise Thursday. The mayor did not back either presidential candidate in 2008 and has criticized both Obama and Romney this cycle.

Announcing his choice, Bloomberg cited Obama's stance on climate change.

"We need leadership from the White House — and over the past four years, President Barack Obama has taken major steps to reduce our carbon consumption, including setting higher fuel-efficiency standards for cars and trucks," Bloomberg wrote Thursday.

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