NEW YORK, NY December 31, 2008 —Mayor Bloomberg is resisting the suggestion that he's courting Democrats by inviting Sen. Hillary Clinton to lead tonight's New Year's Eve festivities. The mayor says Clinton has been a great senator with a strong record of service for the State of New York.

And, he says the Times Square celebration is the perfect chance to wish her well in her new role, if confirmed, as the nation's Secretary of State.

BLOOMBERG: Each year we try to have somebody different. This is a nice way to say to Hillary thank you for your service. Now she's gonna serve the whole country.

REPORTER: At 11:59 tonight, Sen. Clinton will start the final countdown for the dropping of the famed crystal ball in Times Square to usher in 2009.