Mayor Bloomberg may have quit the Republican party, but that didn’t keep him from meeting some of the GOP’s most powerful officials Wednesday. NY1’s Michael Scotto filed the following report.

The head of the National Republican party says he’s staying out of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s push to run on the Republican line.

“What I recommend is local Republicans get together and figure out what they want to do and do it,” said RNC Chairman Michael Steele.

Steele was in town to attend a meeting with New York Republicans. Mayor Bloomberg, who ditched the GOP to become an Independent in 2007, made a brief appearance.

Now that he’s running for reelection, Bloomberg is flirting with Republicans again, while at the same trying to act like he’s above party politics.

“We want to get as much information and as much support as we can from both parties. I will go and talk if the head of the Democratic party, Governor Kaine, comes to town,” said Bloomberg.

Some New York Republicans are angry the mayor left the party. Even Michael Steele says he’s a bit hurt.

“It bothers me when someone leaves the party,” said Steele.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani says he understands why some are upset, but he thinks it’s time they move past their feelings and get behind the mayor.

“This should be based not on politics but on what is best for the city and most would include Mike Bloomberg is best for the city,” said Giuliani.

So far, Bloomberg has won the backing of the Brooklyn Republican Party. He needs three out of the five boroughs to get the party line, which would give him a prominent place on the ballot.

“Without a major party line to win is very, very difficult,” said Former State Senator Serf Maltese.

(Source: NY1)