| Draft Rudy Giuliani for President, Inc, registered with the Federal Election Commission in October 2005, became 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, Rudy 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.
Early 2008 Presidential polls show him with one of the highest levels of name recognition and support. A recent Gallup poll found Giuliani to be the most "acceptable" nominee for Republicans, with 73% giving him a thumbs-up and 25% dismissing him as "unacceptable." By this measure, he led both Condoleezza Rice (68%-29%) and John McCain (55%-41%). The same poll also found Giuliani leading the Republican field with 29% support, with John McCain at 24%, Newt Gingrich at 8%, and both Mitt Romney and Bill Frist at 6%.
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 less likely with New York Senator Hillary Clinton running on the Democratic ticket.
Giuliani is a Roman Catholic who is pro-choice, supports same-sex civil unions, gun control, 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. |
Last week Rudy Giuliani officially entered the 2008 presidential race. Giuliani is divorced twice and Democrats question how he can run the country if he can not control his wife(s). Giuliani replied to Hillary of Democrats: "How can you run the country if you can not control your husband?"
