New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg speaks to supporters during his re-election victory party at campaign headquarters in New York in this November 8, 2005 file photo. Following a landslide re-election win last November, the 64-year-old Bloomberg has been increasingly speaking out on national issues and become one of America's most prominent mayors, fending off more and more questions about a White House bid. Such talk reached new heights this week after Bloomberg, ranked by Forbes magazine as the 112th richest billionaire worth $5.1 billion, playfully entertained the idea of running as an independent. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/Files (UNITED STATES)