New York City mayor to headline Minn. events
by The Associated Press

ST. PAUL — Although his own political future is unclear, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is coming to Minnesota to help the fortunes of the state's Independence Party.

Party Chairman Craig Swaggert says Bloomberg is the featured guest for a fundraising breakfast and is scheduled to give a policy speech afterward. Both July 25 events are planned for Minneapolis.

Swaggert says he expects to draw combined crowds of 600 to 700 people. The party expects to charge $100 per person for the fundraiser and lesser amounts for the speech.

Bloomberg, a billionaire two-term mayor of the nation's largest city, is a Democrat-turned-Republican-turned-independent. Earlier this year, he decided against an independent bid for president.

The Independence Party holds major-party status in Minnesota, giving it automatic ballot access. Jesse Ventura carried the party's banner as governor.