New York's Bloomberg says to stay mayor until 2009

NEW YORK, June 20 (Reuters) New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, often mentioned as a possible third-party 2008 presidential candidate, said today he intended to serve as mayor until the end of his term in 2009.

''I have said that my intention is to be mayor for the next 929 days,'' Bloomberg said, reiterating that remains his plan.

Bloomberg, the billionaire founder of financial data and media firm Bloomberg LP, spurred further speculation yesterday about a possible run for president when he announced he was changing his political status to independent from Republican.

Reuters RS DB2306