MINNEAPOLIS -- New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg still isn't saying who he will endorse in the presidential race.

During a speech in Minneapolis on Friday, Bloomberg praised both Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain. He says both are capable of acting independently and standing up to partisan special interests.

Bloomberg says he likes Obama's positions on gun show background checks and the federal gas tax. He says he appreciates McCain's stances on immigration, campaign finance reform and global warming.

Bloomberg is a billionaire businessman. Once a Democrat, he turned Republican, then became an independent.

Independents are a key voting block in Minnesota, where a recent poll showed McCain and Obama running about even.