Rudy Giuliani 2008 presidential campaign

Rudy Giuliani
107th Mayor of New York City [[President of the United States]]
Preceded by	David Dinkins
Succeeded by	Michael Bloomberg
Personal details
Born	(1944-05-28) May 28, 1944 Brooklyn, New York
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Regina Peruggi (1968–1982) (divorced/annulled) Donna Hanover(1984–2002) (divorced) Judith Nathan (2003–Present)
Alma mater	Manhattan College

Former Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani’s 2008 presidential campaign began in October 2005 when the “Draft Rudy Giuliani for President, Inc” was formed. The committee filed papers with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) on November 22, 2006. On February 5, 2007, Giuliani officially entered the 2008 U.S. presidential election by filing a "statement of candidacy" with the FEC.

Campaign development

Early stages

A draft movement began in late 2005 to get Giuliani to run for President of the United States in 2008. Throughout 2006, rumors circulated regarding a possible Giuliani campaign, abetted by hints from the former Mayor himself. In November 2006 Giuliani announced the formation of an exploratory committee. In February 2007 he filed a "statement of candidacy" and confirmed on the television program Larry King Live that he was indeed running.

Draft Rudy Giuliani for President, Inc. registered with the FEC in October 2005, becoming the first federal committee formed with the sole purpose of encouraging former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani to run for President of the United States in 2008. Throughout 2006, various rumors circulated concerning a Giuliani campaign for President and Giuliani himself hinted at his intentions.

On November 13, 2006, Giuliani announced during a leadership conference in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania that he had taken the first step toward a potential 2008 White House bid by forming the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee, Inc., allowing him to raise money for national travel and for a Presidential campaign. By forming the committee Giuliani was able to travel and gauge support without formally declaring his candidacy, which would subject him to federal fundraising laws.

The committee filed papers with the FEC on November 22, 2006. On February 5, 2007, Giuliani officially entered the race for the 2008 US presidential election by filing a "statement of candidacy" with the Federal Election Commission.

2008 campaign revealed

On January 1, 2007, the New York Daily News published parts of a secret dossier that sets out the budgets, schedules and fund-raising plans for Giuliani's 2008 presidential run.

Recruiting of Semprini

On January 29, 2007, Giuliani recruited veteran Republican activist Wayne Semprini to lead his New Hampshire operations. Since 1972, Semprini, former state Republican Party (GOP) Chairman, has been involved in New Hampshire politics.

Filing of candidacy

On February 5, 2007, Rudy Giuliani filed an official statement of candidacy for President of the United States of America.

Announcement

On February 14, 2007, Rudy Giuliani firmly stated on Larry King Live: "Yes, I'm running."

May 15 GOP South Carolina debate

At the May 15, 2007, GOP debate Giuliani challenged a statement made by Congressman Ron Paul that the United States invited the 9/11 attacks on itself:

Wendell, may I comment on that? That's really an extraordinary statement. That's an extraordinary statement, as someone who lived through the attack of September 11, that we invited the attack because we were attacking Iraq. I don't think I've heard that before, and I've heard some pretty absurd explanations for September 11th. (Applause, cheers.)

And I would ask the congressman to withdraw that comment and tell us that he didn't really mean that. (Applause.)

June 5 GOP New Hampshire debate

At the June 5, 2007 debate in Manchester, New Hampshire, Giuliani began to answer a question related to a comment that a Catholic bishop had made, comparing him to Pontius Pilate for his abortion views, when lightning struck and took out his microphone feed. Giuliani joked about the situation stating:

Look, for someone who went to parochial schools all his life, this is a very frightening thing that’s happening right now. (Laughter.)

But the reality is, I respect, you know, the opinion of Catholic — (off mike) — religious leaders of all kinds. Religion is very important to me, it’s a very important part of my life. But ultimately, as a — (off mike) — I’ve been in public life most of my life and taken oaths of office to enforce the law, I’ve got to make the decisions that I think are the right ones in a country like ours.

And my view on abortion is that it’s wrong, but that ultimately government should not be enforcing that decision on a woman. That’s — that is my view that I — I consult my religion, I consult my reading of the Constitution, I consult my views of what I think are important in a pluralistic society, and the reality that we have to respect the fact that there are people that are equally as religious, equally as moral that make a different decision about this. And should government put them in jail?

After the debate, Giuliani's press secretary notified the police about a freelance reporter, Matt Lepacek, a reporter for infowars.com (a conspiracy theory website that promotes that the government had prior knowledge about 9/11) after he asked the press secretary a question about conspiracy theories of 9/11. The police arrested the reporter on charges of criminal trespassing, though the reporter claims he held a CNN press pass. Lepacek, released on bail, said he was pursuing criminal indictments against Giuliani for the incident. Video of the arrest was captured and put on YouTube.

Iowa Straw Poll

In June 2007, Giuliani has drawn some criticism for dropping out of the August Iowa Straw Poll. Some Republican officials felt the move could be seen as "dissing Iowa." In response, a man in a chicken suit, known as the Iowa Chicken, began demonstrating at Giuliani's appearances in Iowa. Despite this, Giuliani maintains that he is still planning on competing in the Iowa Caucus. Some political observers have opined that the Straw Poll results are bought by campaigns.

However, polls taken in June showed that Giuliani's Iowa support had dropped slightly from the mid-20s to 15%, though this is probably due more to the exposure of Fred Thompson than his dropping out of the Iowa Straw Poll.

In July, the Associated Press reported that Giuliani was focusing his time on more populated states with more delegates, such as California and Florida, rather than primary battleground states like Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. Sam Brownback, a lower tier candidate has more staff in Iowa than Giuliani does. Some political analysts called it a risky strategy that had never been attempted before by a Republican presidential candidate. On August 11, 2007 the Ames Straw Poll was held. Mitt Romney lead with 31.6 percent; Thompson received 1.4 percent; Giuliani received 1.3 percent.

New York City campaign manager dies while jogging

Giuliani's campaign manager in New York City died on July 7, 2007. John D'Amato was a prominent Staten Island attorney who just recently was promoted to Campaign Manager for the city.

Unveiling of health care platform

Giuliani revealed his plan for health care on August 3, 2007 in an article to the Boston Globe. In it he stated that taxes should not be raised to provide more health care but instead lowered for "individual empowerment". He talked about the creation of a tax-free Health Savings Account that would allow individuals and small businesses to stock up on health insurance and in effect lower rates.

"America is best when we solve our problems from our strengths, not our weaknesses. Healthcare reform must be based on increased choice, affordability, portability, and individual empowerment." (Giuliani)

Questions about religion

Giuliani declined to discuss his religion when asked if he considered himself a "traditional, practicing Roman Catholic" at a town hall meeting in Iowa on August 7, 2007. He believes this is a personal matter and that there shouldn't be a religious test for public office. He would explain further stating:

"My religious affiliation, my religious practices and the degree to which I am a good or not so good Catholic, I prefer to leave to the priests, that would be a much better way to discuss it. That's a personal discussion and they have a much better sense of how good a Catholic I am or how bad a Catholic I am."

Advertising campaign consultant

Giuliani's campaign has hired Scott Howell & Company, headed by Heath Thompson who as George W. Bush's campaign director in South Carolina in the 2000 election helped the president win the state by eleven points. The company is lead by Scott Howell, the same consultant that produced the controversial "Harold, call me" advertisement against Rep. Harold Ford, Jr. that critics deemed racially insensitive but helped Bob Corker win the senate race. The firm has also represented the winning campaigns of John Thune of South Dakota, Norm Coleman of Minnesota, Jim DeMint of South Carolina, Saxby Chambliss of Georgia and Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas. Also representing the Giuliani camp as consultants are, Chris Mottola and Associates, BrabenderCox and Crossroads Media.

Advertisment issues

He has broadcast campaign advertisements in Iowa and other states, asserting that he “turned a $2.3 billion deficit into a multibillion dollar surplus". As mayor, Giuliani inherited a $2.3 billion deficit from his predecesor, David Dinkins. However, left a $4.8 billion deficit for his succesor, Michael Bloomberg. Campaign officials explain that the ads only state that he created a multibillion surplus but not that he left it for his predecesor. Giuliani's former budget director and deputy mayor Joseph Lhota defended his fiscal policies explaining that Giuliani kept the rate of spending growth below the level of state and federal governments during his eight years in office and focused on cutting taxes, “Prior to Mayor Giuliani, there never was a discussion of lowering taxes in New York.”

Polling

Main articles: General Election Polling and GOP Primary Polling

Early polls showed him with one of the highest levels of name recognition and support and the front-runner in the race for the Republican nomination. However in June of 2007 a poll of New York voters revealed that Giuliani had less support in his home state than elsewhere, and particularly that a majority of New York City voters disapproved of him.[17] However the Associated Press reported that Giuliani did appear to be the favorite candidate of the largest Gay Republican organization, the Log Cabin Republicans.

Giuliani and the nine other Republican presidential contenders participated in the first MSNBC 2008 Republican Presidential Candidates Debate on May 3, 2007, held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. In the non-scientific six part MSNBC online vote following the debate, Giuliani finished in 3rd place (15%).

Giuliani has emerged as the frontrunner after overtaking John McCain in the polls but with the exposure of Fred Thompson to the field his poll numbers have dropped. But even with all this he still maintains the majority. According to the CBS News Poll taken June 26-28, Giuliani holds the lead over Thompson 34% to 21%.

Iowa

File:2008 GOP Iowa.jpg
The Iowa caucuses are scheduled for January 14, 2008. When polling began in earnest in early 2007, Giuliani (burgundy) and McCain (light blue) were far and away the favorites. Since then, McCain's support has dropped to about 8%, and Giuliani's support has dropped to about 12%. Romney (yellow) has emerged as the favorite currently averaging about 30% of the vote. Although not yet a declared candidate, Thompson (purple) shows support that has surpassed Giuliani and McCain, i.e. about 15%.

Michigan

File:2008 GOP Michigan.jpg
The Michigan primary is tentatively scheduled for January 15, 2008. Chart summarizing all polling data in Michigan to date. When polling began in earnest in early 2007, Giuliani (burgundy) and McCain (light blue) were far and away the favorites. Since then, McCain's support has dropped to about 14%, and Giuliani's support has dropped to about 15%. Meanwhile, Romney's (yellow) support has steadily increased and is currently averaging about 18% of the vote. Although not yet a declared candidate, Thompson (purple) shows support that has surpassed Giuliani and McCain and is comparable to Romney, i.e. about 18%.

South Carolina

File:2008 GOP South Carolina.jpg
The South Carolina primary is scheduled for January 19, 2008. Chart summarizing all polling data in South Carolina to date. When polling began in earnest in early 2007, Giuliani (burgundy) and McCain (light blue) were the favorites. Since then, McCain's support has dropped to an average of about 12%, and Giuliani's support has held steady averaging about 20-22%. Romney's (yellow) support has slowly increased and is currently averaging about 12%. Although not yet a declared candidate, Thompson (purple) shows support that has surpassed McCain and Romney and is comparable to Giuliani, i.e., about 25%.

Nevada

File:2008 GOP Nevada.jpg
The Nevada primary is scheduled for January 19, 2008. In Nevada, when polling began in early 2007, Giuliani (burgundy) and McCain (light blue) were far and away the favorites. Since then, Giuliani has dropped from an average of about 35% to about 15%. McCain has dropped from an average of about 24% to about 9%. Romney (yellow) has emerged as the favorite currently averaging about 27% of the vote. Thompson (purple) shows support that is second only to Romney, currently averaging about 22%.

New Hampshire

File:2008 GOP New Hampshire.jpg
The New Hampshire primary is scheduled for January 22, 2008. In New Hampshire, when polling began in early 2007, Giuliani (burgandy) and McCain (light blue) were far and away the favorites. Since then, Giuliani has dropped from an average of about 26% to about 19%. McCain has dropped from an average of about 32% to about 14%. Romney (yellow) has emerged as the favorite currently averaging about 32% of the vote. Thompson (purple) shows support that is comparable to McCain, currently averaging about 14%.

Florida

File:2008 GOP Florida.jpg
The Florida primary is scheduled for January 29, 2008. Chart summarizing all polling data in Florida to date. When polling began in earnest in early 2007, Giuliani (burgundy) and McCain (light blue) were the favorites. Since then, McCain's support has dropped to about 10%. Although Giuliani remains the favorite, Giuliani's support has slowly declined and is currently averaging about 28%. Meanwhile, Romney's (yellow) support has steadily increased and is currently averaging about 12% of the vote. Although not yet a declared candidate, Thompson (purple) shows support that has surpassed Romney and McCain. Thompson's support is currently averaging about 22%.

California

File:2008 GOP California.jpg
The California primary is scheduled for February 5, 2008. Chart summarizing all polling data in California to date. When polling began in earnest in early 2007, Giuliani (burgundy) and McCain (light blue) were the favorites. Since then, McCain's support has dropped to about 13%. Although Giuliani remains the favorite, Giuliani's support has slowly declined and is currently averaging about 29%. Meanwhile, Romney's (yellow) support has steadily increased and is currently averaging about 15%. Although not yet a declared candidate, Thompson (purple) shows support that has surpassed Romney and McCain. Thompson's support is currently averaging about 18%.

New York

File:2008 GOP New York.jpg
The New York primary is scheduled for February 5, 2008. Chart summarizing all polling data in New York to date. When polling began in earnest in early 2007, Giuliani (burgundy) averaged over 50% support. Giuliani remains the front-runner, but his support has dropped slightly to about 45%. McCain's (light blue) support has dropped from about 17% to about 10%. Romney's (yellow) support has been less than 10%. Although not yet a declared candidate, Thompson (purple) shows support that has surpassed Romney and McCain and is currently averaging about 12%.

Hypothetical Presidential matchups

Obama v. Giuliani

File:2008 polling bo rg.png
Chart summarizing all Obama v. Giuliani data to date (click to enlarge). Giuliani's lead was averaging about 8 percentage points when polling began in November 2006 and now Obama has a lead of about 3-4 percentage points.

Clinton v. Giuliani

File:2008 Polling HC RG.jpg
Chart summarizing all Clinton v. Giuliani data to date (click to enlarge). Giuliani's lead was averaging about 7 percentage points when polling began in November 2006 and is currently about 1-2 percentage points.

Fundraising

First quarter

According to the Federal Elections Commission Giuliani has raised $18,029,974 in the first quarter second to Mitt Romney among Republicans and fourth overall. Out of that money he has spent only $6,080,239. Among that money he raised the second-most from Wall Street of all presidential candidates, with $1.8 million raised.

Second quarter

In the second quarter, Giuliani has revealed that he has raised $17 million, first among Republicans and third overall behind Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Supporters' arguments

Supporters point to his leadership of New York City during the September 11, 2001 attacks and his coordination of the emergency response in the immediate aftermath, as well as his track record of success in reducing crime and improving the economy of New York City. The prospect of a Republican candidate with the potential to win New York State's electoral votes would be a strategic victory for the Republican Party, although the prospect is perhaps less likely with New York Senator Hillary Clinton running on the Democratic ticket and the possibility of Mayor Michael Bloomberg running as an Independent.

Leadership

Supporters claim that while Giuliani was mayor of New York he showed that he had an abundance of leadership skills pointing to his actions in the aftermath of the World Trade Center Attacks. In 2002 Giuliani released a book called Leadership in which he gave techniques that he used while he was mayor. According to a Gallup Poll taken February 9-11 2007, responders who supported Giuliani where asked why they supported him. The results showed that 13% of supporters did so because of Giuliani's strong leadership and 53% did so because of leadership related topics such as time as mayor and handling of 9/11. Another poll taken by Marist showed that 42% of Giuliani supporters believed that leadership is the most important quality for a candidate, this is compared to 34% of McCain supporters who believed the same.

"There are many qualities that make a great leader. But having strong beliefs, being able to stick with them through popular and unpopular times, is the most important characteristic of a great leader." (Rudy Giuliani)

Crime

Supporters will point to Giuliani's time as a prosecutor where they claim he fought crime and continued to fight crime into his term as mayor. As the mayor the crime rate dropped by 70% and is now considered one of the safest big cities in the country.

"NYC used to be known as one of the most dangerous cities in the nation. In the early 1990s, the city routinely suffered over 2000 murders a year. Under Rudy Giuliani’s leadership, overall crime has been cut in half and murders have decreased by 70%. In fact, between 1993 and 1997, New York City accounted for 25% of the Nation’s total crime decline and the FBI recognized New York as the “Safest Large City in America.”" (RudyYes.com, “Proven Leadership” Dec 9, 1999)

Supreme Court statements

Giuliani is a Roman Catholic who is pro-choice, supports same-sex civil unions, and embryonic stem cell research. Pro-life groups, such as the Republican National Coalition for Life, have already announced their intention to oppose Giuliani or any other pro-choice candidate, though evidence suggests that even among these voters, he enjoys some support. This may be due to the fact that Giuliani has pledged to nominate Supreme Court Justices in the mold of John Roberts, Sam Alito, Antonin Scalia, and Anthony Kennedy (all Reagan appointees, former colleagues of his in the Reagan Justice Department or both).

Perception as a moderate

On August 15, 2006, a poll from Rasmussen Reports revealed the perception of Giuliani as a moderate. On April 7, 2007, a poll showed that Giuliani would still do well if he were to run as an independent third-party candidate.

Twelve Commitments to the American People

On June 13, 2007, Giuliani released twelve commitments that he wants to accomplish if he is elected President, which will become the center pieces of his campaign:

1. I will keep America on offense in the Terrorists' War on us.

Winning the terrorists’ war on us is the greatest responsibility of the 9/11 Generation. We need to continue taking the fight to the Islamic fundamentalist terrorists by increasing the size, strength, and support of our military — beginning with ten new Army combat brigades.

2. I will end illegal immigration, secure our borders, and identify every non-citizen in our nation.

We can end illegal immigration with tough but realistic laws that put security first. We need to secure the border with a physical fence and a technological fence. We need to require a tamper-proof I.D. card for all non-citizens coming into the United States and tracking their entry and exit. And we need to encourage Americanization by requiring new citizens to read, write, and speak English.

3. I will restore fiscal discipline and cut wasteful Washington spending.

Over the next two presidential terms, 42 percent of the federal civilian workforce is due to retire. We should only hire back half, replacing non-essential workers with technology. I’ll ask agency heads to identify annual budget cuts of 5 to 20 percent. With entitlement costs scheduled to explode, we need fiscal discipline to avoid passing an unsupportable burden on to the next generation.

4. I will cut taxes and reform the tax code.

Pro-growth policies lead to broader prosperity. The next president needs to simplify the tax code and keep taxes low — including the personal income tax, the capital-gains tax and the corporate tax. And we can eliminate double taxation and protect family businesses by giving the Death Tax the death penalty.

5. I will impose accountability on Washington.

We need to restore Americans’ faith that government can work again. That’s why we’ll implement the first constant measurement of government effectiveness, known as “FedStat,” and put the results online so the public can hold agencies accountable.

6. I will lead America towards energy independence.

We must decrease America’s dangerous dependence on foreign oil. We can meet this challenge through diversification of our energy portfolio, innovation, and conservation. We must increase public and private investment in nuclear power, clean coal, and alternative-energy sources across the board. America must lead the world in energy-efficient, environmentally responsible, commercially viable innovation, including wind, solar, geo-thermal, ethanol, and biofuel technologies.

7. I will give Americans more control over and access to healthcare with affordable and portable free-market solutions.

We can improve the quality of health care while decreasing costs through increased competition. Solutions can include reforming the tax treatment of health care, expanding portable health-savings accounts, encouraging state-by-state innovations, and reforming the legal system.

8. I will increase adoptions, decrease abortions, and protect the quality of life for our children.

We need to take advantage of the common ground in America to reduce abortions by increasing adoptions and assuring that individual choice is well informed. We need to measure our progress toward these goals. We need to reduce the high costs of adoption. And we need to protect our children against sexual predators and online pornography.

9. I will reform the legal system and appoint strict constructionist judges.

America must reform its legal system. We need to eliminate nuisance lawsuits through “loser-pays” provisions. Tort reform can help us reduce costs passed on to the consumer, such as higher insurance premiums. Activist judges threaten to expand the power of the courts beyond the bounds established by the Constitution; we must reassert the proper balance.

10. I will ensure that every community in America is prepared for terrorist attacks and natural disasters.

Homeland security and national security are now inseparable. We need to ensure that local first responders are trained to meet natural disasters as well as terrorist attacks. We must improve information-sharing between local, state, and federal authorities. And we need to repair vulnerable infrastructure to minimize the impact of terrorist attacks and natural disasters.

11. I will provide access to a quality education to every child in America by giving real school choice to parents.

Education reform is a civil-rights struggle and the key to improving America’s competitiveness in the global economy. We need to empower parents and children by expanding school choice. We need to promote math and science, while ending the digital divide.

12. I will expand America's involvement in the global economy and strengthen our reputation around the world.

We need to strengthen our country by engaging aggressively the global economy. The mission of the State Department needs to be focused on acting first and foremost as an advocate for America. Fostering trade and educational and cultural exchange will promote the expansion of freedom.

Detractors' arguments

Giuliani also has been criticized by vocal opponents from his mayoral days, honing in on Giuliani's support for the NYPD during the racially-charged cases of Abner Louima and Amadou Diallo and his crackdown on porn shops in Times Square. In November 2006, civil-rights lawyer and frequent Giuliani critic Norman Siegel pledged to "swift boat" the former Mayor by bringing attention to these and other controversies.

As Giuliani campaigns in his bid for the White House, he has faced repeated questions about Bernard Kerik -- and what his support for the disgraced former driver and police commissioner means about his judgment as well as his marriages and his views on abortion. Giuliani told voters in one New Jersey appearance that he should be judged by his success and his mistakes.

Giuliani has continued to support President Bush despite his low approval ratings, stating that Bush's legacy will be that of a "great President."

Reservations among conservative Republicans

George Marlin and other socially conservative Republican activists have expressed concern about whether it is appropriate to nominate Giuliani as the Republican party's standard bearer. They cite Giuliani's history of taking liberal positions and making statements that are consistent with liberals in areas of social policy, particularly as relating to abortion, gay and lesbian rights, gun control and illegal immigration.

Marriages and relations with family

Giuliani's three marriages, and especially the public circumstances around the dissolution of his marriage with Donna Hanover, bring him criticism from social conservatives. For instance, in March 2007, Richard Land, head of public policy for the highly influential Southern Baptist Convention was quoted as saying that Giuliani's handling of the Hanover divorce only added to his problems with conservative voters:

"I mean, this is divorce on steroids. To publicly humiliate your wife in that way, and your children. That's rough. I think that's going to be an awfully hard sell, even if he weren't pro-choice and pro-gun control."

His first marriage to his second cousin may also be an issue. Similarly, in March 2007, John Lott writing in the National Review criticized Giuliani's initiation of New York City's lawsuit against gun makers.

At a public appearance in Derry, New Hampshire on August 16, 2007 an audience member, Katherine Prudhomme-O'Brien asked him, "[H]ow you could expect the loyal following of Americans when you are not getting it from your own family?"

Giuliani replied, "I love my family very, very much and will do anything for them.... The best thing I can say is kind of, 'Leave my family alone, just like I'll leave your family alone.' "

Abortion

Giuliani expressed pro-choice positions during election years when he was running for mayor of New York City, (1989 and 1993), and when he was running for a New York State seat in the United States Senate (2000).

• 1989: Giuliani said, “There must be public funding for abortion for poor women. We cannot deny any woman the right to make her own decision about abortion because she lacks resources."

In the same 1989 speech he said, "I have also stated that I disagree with President [George H.W.] Bush's veto last week of public funding for abortions."

• 1993: He addressed a letter to a pro-choice group, National Abortion Rights Action League, saying, New York City “has an obligation to protect the constitutional right of women to choose abortion.”

• 2000: During his competition with Hillary Clinton for a New York State seat in the United States Senate, he said that he supported then president Bill Clinton’s veto of a law that banned partial birth abortion: “I would vote to preserve the option for women.”

• Giuliani and his second wife, Donna Hanover, gave money to Planned Parenthood at least six times during the 1990s.

Some Catholic archbishops have come forward criticizing Giuliani's views on abortion as not consistent with the teachings of the Catholic church. Catholic bishops had said that 2004 Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry should be denied communion, and many believe the same will happen with Giuliani's campaign. “It’s becoming ever more clear that Rudy Giuliani suffers from John Kerry syndrome. It’s just a matter of time before more bishops step up, because he shares the identical position on abortion as John Kerry and Hillary Clinton," said Joseph Cella, president of a Catholic advocacy group in Michigan.

Giuliani left a Washington, DC church before the Eucharist, leading some to speculate that he does not take communion due to his second marriage not being annulled. One Rhode Island bishop earlier compared Giuliani to Pontius Pilate for his abortion views.

James Dobson, an influential Christian conservative leader, wrote that he could not fathom Giuliani's stance on the abortion issue and he would not vote for him if he were the Republican presidential nominee. He also cited Giuliani's three marriages and the former mayor's support for civil unions for gays as reasons why he could not support the candidate. Dobson wrote, "I cannot, and will not, vote for Rudy Giuliani in 2008. It is an irrevocable decision." He further elaborated:

"Is Rudy Giuliani presidential timber? I think not. Can we really trust a chief executive who waffles and feigns support for policies that run contrary to his alleged beliefs? Of greater concern is how he would function in office. Will we learn after it is too late just what the former mayor really thinks? What we know about him already is troubling enough."

Relations with fire fighters' association and families

Sally Regenhard, mother of firefighter Christian Regenhard, who died on September 11, said in September 2006, "There's a large and growing number of both FDNY families, FDNY members, former and current, and civilian families who want to expose the true failures of the Giuliani administration when it comes to 9/11." She told the New York Daily News that she intends to "Swift Boat" Giuliani.

In February 2007, the International Association of Fire Fighters issued a letter accusing Giuliani of "egregious acts" against the 343 firemen who had died in the September 11th attacks. The letter asserted that Giuliani rushed to conclude the recovery effort once gold and silver had been recovered from World Trade Center vaults and thereby prevented the remains of many victims from being recovered: "Mayor Giuliani's actions meant that fire fighters and citizens who perished would either remain buried at Ground Zero forever, with no closure for families, or be removed like garbage and deposited at the Fresh Kills Landfill." The Giuliani camp stated that the union was politically motivated from tough contract negotiations from Giuliani's second term as mayor and quoted a retired firefighter, Lee Ielphi (a father of 9-11 victim who was called to duty as a firefighter that day), saying "Firefighters have no greater friend and supporter than Rudy Giuliani." The union denied political motivation for the criticism.

The IAFF and other unions have argued that work at Ground Zero of the World Trade Center have led first responders at the site to develop Ground Zero illnesses, cancer and sarcoidosis. [18] [19] [20]

Giuliani declined to appear at the IAFF-sponsored March 14, 2007 forum. The bipartisan presidential forum in Washington, D.C., included ten other major Democratic and Republican candidates for president. [21] [22]

Firefighters and their families confronted Giuliani with protests at two of four May 28, 2007 fundraisers on the occasion of his birthday. [23] [24] Jim Riches, an official at a firefighters' union and the father of a fallen Ground Zero firefighter, said, "We have all the UFA, the UFOA, and the fire members are all behind us -- the International Association of Fire Fighters.... And we’re going to be out there today to let everybody know that he’s not the hero that he says he is." The unions' complaints focus on the malfunctioning radios used by the fire department on September 11, 2001 and what they claim was a lack of coordination at the Ground Zero site.[25]

He claimed on August 9, 2007 that "I was at Ground Zero as often, if not more, than most workers." This angered NY Fire and Police personnel. A New York Times study a week later found that --while his appointment logs were unavailable for the six days immediately following the attacks-- he spent a total of 29 hours over three months at the site. This contrasted with recovery workers at the site who spent this much time at the site in two to three days.However Giuliani scaled back in his claims recognizing that he didn't mean to say it exactly as it came out,

“I wasn’t trying to suggest a competition of any kind, which is the way it came across, you know, what I was saying was, ‘I’m there with you.’ Gosh almighty, I was there often enough, even though they were there, people there more and people there less, but I was there often enough so that every health consequence that people have suffered, I could also be suffering.”

Ethical and legal problems of campaign advisors

Giuliani's campaign has faced challenges due to repeated scandals involving political associates and campaign staff, leading the New York Times to note the association of his 2008 presidential campaign with "cocaine, corruption, and prostitution."[26]

In June of 2007 the Giuliani campaign was forced to change its choice for Pennsylvania campaign chair after the media noted the selectee, Robert B. Asher, had been convicted of bribery-related charges in 1986. [27]

Giuliani's state chairman in South Carolina, state treasurer Thomas Ravenel, was indicted on June 19, 2007 on cocaine distribution charges. Giuliani released a statement saying that Ravenel had stepped down from his position in the Giuliani campaign. Ravenel's father, Arthur Ravenel Jr., replaced his son as state co-chair. Some bloggers have called this decision into question in light of controversial statements the elder Ravenel has previously made in regards to African-Americans and mentally handicapped people. Ravenel has called the NAACP the "National Association of Retarded People" and once said that his fellow white congressional members operated on "black time" which he characterized as meaning "fashionably late."

In July 2007 it was revealed that U.S. Senator Louisiana and Giuliani Southern Region campaign chair David Vitter had been associated with an alleged Washington prostitution service. [28]. Subsequently, a former brothel operator from New Orleans also asserted Senator Vitter had been one her clients.[29]. Giuliani stated that the allegations were "a personal matter" for Vitter.[30]

See also

• United States presidential election, 2008
• Rudy Giuliani
• Political positions of Rudy Giuliani

External links

• Official website: Join Rudy 2008
• Vote 2008: Rudy Giuliani - Online NewsHour with Jim Lehrer
• Spartan Internet Political Performance Index Weekly Ranking for Rudy Giuliani
• Rudy Giuliani 2008 presidential campaign at Curlie