COLUMBUS, OHIO - It's late in the game, but New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg endorsed President Barack Obama on Thursday backing by the political independent that may help Obama with undecided independent voters.

Bloomberg had been withholding his support from both Obama and Mitt Romney and by coming in late he is taking a side. He potentially dilutes the impact, with his nod just days before the Tuesday vote and while early voting has started in the critical battleground states.

Statement from President Obama on Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Endorsement:

CHICAGO - President Obama released the following statement today in reaction to Mayor Michael Bloomberg's endorsement:

"I'm honored to have Mayor Bloomberg's endorsement. I deeply respect him for his leadership in business, philanthropy and government, and appreciate the extraordinary job he's doing right now, leading New York City through these difficult days.

"While we may not agree on every issue, Mayor Bloomberg and I agree on the most important issues of our time - that the key to a strong economy is investing in the skills and education of our people, that immigration reform is essential to an open and dynamic democracy, and that climate change is a threat to our children's future, and we owe it to them to do something about it. Just as importantly, we agree that whether we are Democrats, Republicans, or independents, there is only one way to solve these challenges and move forward as a nation - together. I look forward to thanking him in person - but for now, he has my continued commitment that this country will stand by New York in its time of need. And New Yorkers have my word that we will recover, we will rebuild, and we will come back stronger."

Bloomberg released his endorsment in an editorial on his website. You can read the editorial here.