BBC: Bloomberg quits Republicans

BBC NEWS | Americas | NY's Bloomberg quits Republicans: "New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has left the Republican Party and changed his political status to unaffiliated.

The move has fuelled speculation that he may run as an independent candidate for the US presidency in 2008, although he insists he does not plan to stand.

Mr Bloomberg said a non-partisan approach had 'worked wonders in New York'. He is barred from seeking a third term as NY mayor in 2009.

A long-term Democrat, he switched parties when he ran for mayor in 2001."