A Look at the Sleeper Presidential Candidate: NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg

Today is January 1, the start of a new year and the presidential races are hotter than they have ever been with more people watching the presidential races unfold throughout the country. By now you've probably heard of all the big name politicians like Hillary Clinton, Rudy Giuliani, Barack Obama, and John Edwards. But have you heard of Michael Bloomberg? In a recent national poll, Michael Bloomberg ranked as the 7th most popular politician, ahead of Hillary Clinton John Edwards, John McCain and Mike Huckabee but behind Barack Obama and Rudy Giuliani, according to New York Magazine.

Perhaps the most interest thing is the possibility of a Bloomberg candidacy. Bloomberg has repeatedly stated that he "probably won't run for president" but politicians never say never. Bloomberg is not shy to say, "What chance does a five-foot-seven billionaire Jew who's divorced really have of becoming president?" as he stated in an interview to NY Magazine.

Bloomberg's vast wealth is the most intriguing aspect of a possible presidential run. He is one of the richest men in the word. Forbes estimates have his Bloomberg News business at $5.3 billion with other estimates going as high as $20 billion. According to political analysts, an Independent candidacy would need $500 million which wouldn't be a problem for Bloomberg. Dropping $1 billion running for president is not out of the question, especially if he sets his sights on winning. He spent $74 million on his mayoral campaign in 2001 and spent $85 million on his re-election victory campaign in 2005, in an election that was never even close.