Obama Making First Stop in New Hampshire

Senator Barack Obama speaks at a charity event in New York, Monday, Dec. 4, 2006. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) (Seth Wenig - AP)

"At the meeting, Senator Schumer told Senator Clinton that should she decide to run in 2008 for the presidency that she would have his full, enthusiastic support," Heller said in a statement.

Schumer, a member of the Senate leadership as the chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, saw his stock in the party soar last month as Democrats captured six GOP-held seats and seized majority control.

"We are thrilled that Senator Schumer is offering his strong support if Hillary decides to run for president," Clinton spokesman Howard Wolfson said.

Schumer and Clinton have worked closely together since 2000, when Clinton, then first lady, won election to the Senate despite never having lived in New York.

Recently, Clinton aides recruited Schumer's longtime spokesman, Phil Singer, to join Clinton's nascent presidential effort.

Clinton, who cruised to re-election in New York last month, has not yet publicly declared her candidacy for president. But in recent weeks, she's begun building a campaign team and reaching out to Democrats in New York, Washington and in states with early contests such as Iowa and New Hampshire.

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NEW YORK (AP) _ New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who repeatedly denies he's running for president, clearly enjoys the song and dance of speculation.

The Republican billionaire dressed up as Bruce Springsteen and entertained guests at a holiday party with a rendition of "Born to Run."

Dressed in a white T-shirt, jeans with a red bandanna over a mullet wig, Bloomberg and his backup band of deputy mayors and senior staffers performed the song at Thursday night's party, with lyrics that fantasize about him launching an independent candidacy and winning the White House.

"I say 'Next stop: Washington!' Cause folks like us, baby we were born to run. We'll win, you'll see, and beat the GOP and Democrats," they sang, according to those present.

The group, who called themselves Mike Bloomsteen and the Bullpen Band, jammed on inflatable toy saxophones and guitars during the musical portions of the hit song. The party was for City Hall staff and was not open to the media.