(03/16/06) NEWARK ? Newark Mayor Sharpe James announced Thursday he?s seeking a sixth term in office.

James? announcement means the 70-year-old mayor will once again square off against 36-year-old Cory Booker. James defeated Booker, a Rhodes Scholar and Yale Law School Graduate, in 2002. James waited until just before Thursday's deadline to make his announcement. The mayor rode around the third floor of city hall twice on a bicycle, while wearing a hat and tank top, before filing his paperwork in the clerk's office.

Political analysts say James? bid for re-election could be an uphill battle. Booker has received endorsements from unions that have typically supported James in the past.