Bloomberg presidential run speculated

NEW YORK, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg appears to be laying the groundwork for an independent presidential bid.

"I would be among those who would urge Mr. Bloomberg to very seriously consider running for president as an independent," former U.S. Sen. David Boren, D-Okla., told The New York Times.

Though insiders told the Times a final decision on a Bloomberg candidacy isn't likely until February, staff members were working to create campaign infrastructure, the Times said. Third-party candidates will officially launch campaigns March 5, the date they may begin circulating nominating petitions in Texas, the newspaper said.

Insiders said Bloomberg would promote himself as a pragmatic, progressive centrist, the Times said.