By Julianna Parker

Transcript Staff Writer

The bipartisan forum scheduled for Monday at the University of Oklahoma has sparked speculation that New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg may announce his intention to run for president at the event.

Key Republican and Democratic leaders will discuss the need for bipartisan presidential leadership at the event is hosted by OU President David Boren, a former U.S. senator and Oklahoma governor, and former Sen. Sam Nunn of Georgia. Guests include former members of Congress, Cabinet secretaries and respected political consultants.

The billionaire Bloomberg, a one-time Democrat who switched to the GOP to run for mayor of New York City and now is an independent, continues to attract attention with his travels and speeches but denies he is running for president.

Sunday, Boren also denied that this forum is designed to bring attention to an intended candidacy.

National media began speculating Sunday about the significance of the important forum being held in Norman. Some wonder whether if Bloomberg runs for president, he might add Boren to the ticket as his vice presidential candidate.

Boren said Sunday this forum is not a sign he will be running for vice president. The pairing does make sense, however, to some political analysts.

Boren and Bloomberg seem to respect each other. Boren praised Bloomberg when the former mayor spoke at OU’s May commencement ceremony.

“It would be a powerful running ticket,” said Shad Satterthwaite, OU political science professor, of the possible pairing Monday.

Bloomberg has East Coast clout and enough money to carry him through a bid for presidency. Boren has extensive political experience and is located in the Midwest.

“It would seem to balance the ticket out nicely,” Satterthwaite said.

The real question, though, is whether Boren really wants to leave OU and be the vice president, Satterthwaite said.

“He might be one of those that prefer the role of king-maker rather than king,” Satterthwaite said.

The time may be right for an independent presidential candidate, though.