New York, NY —

Even though Mayor Bloomberg is trying to convince the Republican Party to take him back and give him a ballot line, he got a warm welcome from members of the Independence Party just before securing their endorsement yesterday for the November ballot line.

The mayor, who left the Republican Party in 2007, touted his record and said the party could help its own cause by endorsing him.

BLOOMBERG: And if New York City can elect an independent mayor I don't think it'll be long before we see more independent mayors and elected officials across the country.

REPORTER: Party officials say the mayor also agreed to help fund the party if he runs on its ticket.

The endorsement comes a day after the mayor won the backing of the Staten Island Republican Party. Bloomberg already has the GOP's support in Brooklyn. If he wins the support from one more county committee, he will also earn the Republican's ballot line this November.