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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| NY's Bloomberg quits Republicans | NY's Bloomberg quits Republicans |
| (30 minutes later) | |
| New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has left the Republican Party and changed his political status to unaffiliated. | 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. | 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. | 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. | A long-term Democrat, he switched parties when he ran for mayor in 2001. |
| Mr Bloomberg said on Tuesday: "Although my plans for the future haven't changed, I believe this brings my affiliation into alignment with how I have led and will continue to lead our city." | Mr Bloomberg said on Tuesday: "Although my plans for the future haven't changed, I believe this brings my affiliation into alignment with how I have led and will continue to lead our city." |
| Slim chance | Slim chance |
| In recent speeches Mr Bloomberg has criticised partisan politics in the US, declaring it has paralysed decision making and jeopardised America's future. | |
| The 65-year-old billionaire has enough money to finance a bid for the White House. | The 65-year-old billionaire has enough money to finance a bid for the White House. |
| He is the founder of the media and financial data empire Bloomberg LP. | He is the founder of the media and financial data empire Bloomberg LP. |
| But analysts say that if he does run as an independent, he has little chance of success. | But analysts say that if he does run as an independent, he has little chance of success. |
| Americans have never voted an independent into the White House. | Americans have never voted an independent into the White House. |