Michael Bloomberg on Monday spoke like he has no plans to enter the 2008 presidential race but actions speak louder than words when considering whether the New York City mayor may launch a third-party bid for the White House.

During a bill signing Monday at City Hall, Councilman Peter Vallone joked with Bloomberg that signing some bills was a great way to kick off a presidential campaign, but the mayor wouldn't bite.

"I'm the only one not running for anything yet," he said.

Bloomberg will meet independent and centrist politicians next week. The organizer, former Democratic Senator David Boren of Oklahoma, said the meeting is intended to send a message to both parties: "please rise to the occasion." Otherwise, he said, there's a possibility of an independent candidacy.

Some political observers say the event is more intended to gain attention for a possible Bloomberg run. But one member of the group, former Democratic Sen. Sam Nunn, said Bloomberg hasn't chosen to make a White House bid.

"He has not decided to run, and certainly those of us attending this meeting are not in any way pledged to support Bloomberg or any other candidacy at this stage," Nunn told FOX News.  

Speculation that Bloomberg might become a candidate began about two years ago, when his political adviser began floating the idea. It gained momentum over the summer when the mayor left the Republican Party to become an independent.

Iowa Republican front-runner Mike Huckabee said Monday he's happy to see Bloomberg join the race.

"He is welcome to it. He will probably do more to help the Republicans than to help the Democrats so I would welcome his entry into the race," he said.

FOX News' Jim Angle and The Associated Press contributed to this report.