New York, NY —

Mayor Michael Bloomberg praised the independent streaks of the Democratic and Republican candidates for president at a gathering in Minneapolis hosted by the state's Independent Party.

REPORTER: The mayor, who once flirted with an Independent presidential bid, says the nation is "lucky" to have two candidates who've taken on the orthodoxy of their own parties. He praised Barack Obama for some of his gun control positions and opposing a gas tax. And he noted John McCain's leadership on immigration reform.

BLOOMBERG: He has stood up for immigration, something that we just have to have if we are going to have a future. And he’s done it coming from a state like Arizona where it’s a heavy political lift.

REPORTER: Also in Minnesota, Bloomberg, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger are calling for a plank on improving America's infrastructure in both party platforms.