2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

What They Are Saying … About Mayor Giuliani

What They Are Saying … About Mayor Giuliani

The Atlantic’s Marc Ambinder: “My gut instinct … Rudy Giuliani won.” (Marc Ambinder, “And The Winners Are….,” The Atlantic’s Blog, http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/09/and_the_winners_are.php, 9/5/07, Accessed 9/5/07)

Ambinder: “The crowd seemed to like Giuliani's every answer on subjects resting on all three legs of the Republican stool.” (Marc Ambinder, “And The Winners Are….,” The Atlantic’s Blog, http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/09/and_the_winners_are.php, 9/5/07, Accessed 9/5/07)

Ambinder: “[G]iuliani just sounds like a guy who knows what he's talking about.” (Marc Ambinder, “And The Winners Are….,” The Atlantic’s Blog, http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/09/and_the_winners_are.php, 9/5/07, Accessed 9/5/07)

National Review’s Kate O’Beirne: “[G]iuliani scored a hit … by raising importance of executive experience.” (Kate O’Beirne, “Ready For The Question,” National Review’s “The Corner” Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ODY3MTJlOTUwZGQ0MjlkNWIwZjM4NmI4NzI3MGYzMjM, 9/5/07,
Accessed 9/5/07)

O’Beirne said Giuliani gave a “strong answer” on cutting taxes. (Kate O’beirne, “Taxes,” National Review’s “The Corner” Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NmYzZmM2NWM1NDI4YjQwNDg5NmQxZjgxMzdjY2E2Mzk=, 9/5/07, Accessed 9/5/07)

National Review’s Rich Lowry: “[Giuliani] is so good in these debates.” (James Lowry, “One Pledge,” National Review’s “The Corner” Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=YzNiODFmZTc3MjA3MDkxMGU4YTYxYjNiYTdiMWZhMTc=, 9/5/07, Accessed 9/5/07)

Lowry said Giuliani gave “a strong answer on Gitmo and Iraq.” (Rich Lowry, “Liberal Media,” National Review’s “The Corner” Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NGIxMzBiNWEyYjk5NDc1YzFjNmMxNzhkYTIzOTgzNjQ=, 9/5/07, Accessed 9/5/07)

The American Spectator’s Jennifer Rubin: “Overall tonight … Rudy is very solid” and “doesn’t bat an eye or get miffed.” (Jennifer Rubin, “Cameron At The Diner,” The American Spectator’s “AmSpecBlog,” http://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=7992, 9/5/07, Accessed 9/5/07)

Rubin: “Giuliani knocks out of ball park on crime …” (Jennifer Rubin, “Amnesty,” The American Spectator’s “AmSpecBlog,” http://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=7981, 9/5/07, Accessed 9/5/07)

Rubin: “Rudy looked like he was having fun …” (Jennifer Rubin, “Marry Who You Love?,” The American Spectator’s “AmSpecBlog,” http://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=7982, 9/5/07, Accessed 9/5/07)

The [Manchester] Union Leader’s Drew Cline called Mayor Giuliani’s response on guns a “good answer.” (Drew Cline, “The Debate,” The [Manchester] Union Leader’s Blog, http://blogs.unionleader.com/andrew-cline/?p=884, 9/5/07, Accessed 9/5/07)

Statement From Rudy Giuliani Communications Director Katie Levinson

Statement from Communications Director Katie Levinson

New York City – Giuliani Communications Director Katie Levinson released the following statement tonight:

“It is increasingly clear Rudy is the only guy who has been truly tested and has the track record and experience to be the next President.”

Academy Award-Winning Actor Robert Duvall Supports Rudy Giuliani

Academy Award-Winning Actor Robert Duvall Supports Rudy Giuliani

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced that veteran actor and director Robert Duvall, along with his wife Luciana, are supporting Mayor Rudy Giuliani for President of the United States.

The Duvalls will also host a fundraiser for the Mayor at their Virginia home later this month. 

“Rudy has consistently proven he’s ready to confront tough challenges,” said Duvall. “I don’t normally get involved in politics, but I think the stakes are too high this election.  Mayor Giuliani has the executive experience, proven record and bold vision needed to lead our country. Luciana and I are proud to support him.”

“As a fan and an admirer of Mr. Duvall’s work for some time, I am honored to have Robert and his wife Luciana’s support and help on our campaign,” said Mayor Giuliani. “Their willingness to not only offer their support, but to open their home is a tremendous contribution.  I am excited to have the Duvalls on our team.”

About Robert Duvall:

Robert Duvall is an accomplished director and Academy Award-winning actor, having made his motion picture debut playing Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird. He starred in Francis Ford Coppola's The Rain People and received the first of his six Academy Award nominations for his role in The Godfather. He followed those with roles in The Godfather: Part II and Apocalypse Now.

Duvall was nominated for an Oscar in The Great Santini and The Apostle. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Tender Mercies and received an Emmy nomination for playing Texas Ranger Gus McCrae in the Lonesome Dove miniseries. In June 2006, Duvall executive produced and starred in Broken Trail, a miniseries for AMC.  Broken Trail has garnered Golden Globe nominations and is currently nominated for 16 Emmy awards. Duvall’s directing portfolio includes Assassination Tango, Angelo My Love, and the documentary We're Not the Jet Set. Duvall's next movie, We Own the Night, premieres in October. Duvall is a native of San Diego, California. He majored in drama at Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, and served in the U.S. Army upon graduation.

Rudy Giuliani Website Refreshed

The new look for the Rudy Giuliani website was launched with this blog post from Maria Comella, Deputy Communications Director.

Hizzoner's Highlights - September 4th

Today we kick off the month of September and the post Labor Day frenzy looking a little more “refreshed” than before. That starts with our website. Our site has new features and…wait for it…unveils our social networking sites! Those of you eager to add the campaign as your friend on Facebook and MySpace can finally do so. We’re using these sites a little differently than other campaigns with a new feature, “Running with Rudy.” This will offer users a behind-the-scenes look at the campaign, with contributions from staff in headquarters and on the ground. Check out the welcome video from our very own Dan Meyers… http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=17318654.

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Announces Homeland Security Advisors

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Announces Homeland Security Advisors

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced members of the Mayor’s Homeland Security Advisory Board. These individuals have provided input and recommendations on Mayor Giuliani’s commitment to ensure American communities are prepared for terrorist attacks and natural disasters.  They also provide a constant source of information on issues pertaining to terrorism, homeland security and domestic emergency preparation.

The Mayor’s advisors are well-respected leaders in homeland security and emergency preparedness. The group is led by Board Chair Louis Freeh, former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and previously announced as a campaign advisor.  Also leading the team is former U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commissioner Robert Bonner as the campaign’s Chief Homeland Security Advisor. Joining Freeh and Bonner is U.S. Congressman Peter King (R-NY).

“Rudy Giuliani is the most qualified candidate to prepare Americans to protect our homeland and respond to natural disasters and terrorist attacks,” said Freeh. “He demonstrated unparalleled leadership as Mayor of New York City by creating the city’s first Office of Emergency Management, while improving preparedness for potential threats that helped create a more resilient city.”

In addition, the advisory board has 15 total members including Joe Whitley, former Acting Associate Attorney General; Joshua Filler, former Director of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of State and Local Government Coordination; and Jon Odermatt, former Commissioner of the New York City Office of Emergency Management; Richard Sheirer, former Commissioner, New York City Office of Emergency Management; and Thomas Von Essen, former Commissioner, New York City Fire Department.

“This is a world-class team of advisors with years of security and emergency preparedness experience that will serve the Mayor well,” said Bonner. "Nobody understands the necessity of emergency preparedness better than Mayor Giuliani nor has anybody better demonstrated the ability to lead our citizens in a resilient response."

Congressman King added: “I am convinced that regardless of the challenges we face, Mayor Giuliani is the best qualified to prepare and protect America. He has the best vision and knows that homeland security and national security are inseparable. America has a real leader in Rudy Giuliani.

About the Homeland Security Advisory Board:

Louis Freeh, Chairman
Former Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation

Rob Bonner, Chief Homeland Security Advisor
Former Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Peter King
U.S. Congressman, New York

Joe Whitley
Former General Counsel, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Joshua Filler
Former Director, Department of Homeland Security, Office of State and Local Government Coordination

Andrew Maner
Former Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Jon Odermatt
Former Commissioner, New York City Office of Emergency Management

Howard Safir
Former Commissioner, New York City Police Department

Richard Sheirer
Former Commissioner, New York City Office of Emergency Management

Stewart Verdery
Former Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Thomas Von Essen
Former Commissioner, New York City Fire Department

Seth Stodder
Former Director of Policy and Planning, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Peter Beering
Indianapolis, Indiana Terrorism Preparedness Coordinator

Daniel Johnson
Former Director of Homeland Security for the State of Minnesota

John Rabin
Former Program Director, Department of Homeland Security’s Lessons Learned Information Sharing

Giuliani Campaign Announces Wisconsin State Co-Chairs

Giuliani Campaign Announces Wisconsin State Co-Chairs

The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced today that former U.S. Representative Scott Klug and former state Senator Cathy Stepp will serve as co-chairs of the Mayor’s campaign in Wisconsin.
They will join former U.S. Senator Robert Kasten in leading Mayor Giuliani’s campaign efforts in Wisconsin.
“These two additions to the Mayor’s campaign team show the strength of support for Rudy Giuliani in Wisconsin,” Kasten said.

“Mayor Giuliani has shown the kind of strong leadership that the people of Wisconsin want in their next president – not just on 9/11 and the days following, but over eight years as the Mayor of New York who reduced taxes, cut crime rates, and strengthened the city’s economy,” Klug said. “President of the United States is not a learn-as-you-go position, and Mayor Giuliani has the most public executive leadership experience of anyone running.”

Stepp added: “I am eager to help promote Mayor Giuliani’s 12 Commitments to the American People, which include keeping us on offense in the Terrorists’ War on Us, cutting taxes, giving us more control over our health care, and protecting the quality of life for our children. Mayor Giuliani is the only Republican who can compete in all 50 states in the general election.”

The campaign announced earlier this month that Kasten would serve as state chairman. Kasten also serves as a senior member of the campaign’s Foreign Policy Advisory Board

Rudy Giuliani Unveils National First Responders Coalition

Rudy Giuliani Unveils National First Responders Coalition
Former NYC Fire and Police Commissioner Howard Safir to Serve As National Chair

Pelham, SC - The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today unveiled the national leadership team for First Responders for Rudy at the Pelham-Batesville Firehouse in Pelham, South Carolina. The team will be led by National Chair Howard Safir, who previously served as both Police and Fire Commissioner for New York City. Joining Safir on the national team are U.S. Congressman David Reichert (R- WA) and S.C. State Firefighters' Association Executive Director Jim Bowie.

Reichert, a former Sheriff in King County, Washington, will serve as National Chair of Law Enforcement for Rudy. Bowie, who worked at the South Carolina Fire Academy for 16 years, will serve as National Chair of Firefighters for Rudy. In addition, the Mayor's campaign announced National Co-Chairs for Firefighters for Rudy and Law Enforcement for Rudy. Team members represent law enforcement and firefighter communities from states across the country including Iowa, Florida, South Carolina and Illinois.

"Mayor Giuliani is a strong and principled leader," said Safir, who served under Giuliani. "I saw firsthand his leadership in helping transform a crime-ridden New York City into the safest large city in our nation, while increasing preparedness by opening the city's first Office of Emergency Management. He has always shown uncompromising courage in the face of challenges. I am proud to lead First Responders across America who support Rudy for President."

"Mayor Giuliani has a proven record of supporting firefighters. As Mayor, he implemented policies that improved firefighters' safety and preparedness. Firefighters across the nation are supporting Mayor Giuliani because they admire his leadership and support his vision for our country," said Bowie.

Congressman Reichert, a leader on law enforcement issues, added: "I admire Rudy Giuliani for his determination, courage, strength and ability to find real solutions to tough problems. As New York City's Mayor, he implemented the CompStat program to help police be proactive in fighting crime. The Mayor will be a leader for law enforcement and for our country; a leader who not only pledges to find solutions, but also demands our government be held accountable and show results for the American people."

Joining Safir and Reichert at today's announcement were first responders from across South Carolina. In the coming weeks, Team Rudy is expected to announce first responders' leadership teams at the state level.

New Hampshire Business Leaders Join Team Rudy

New Hampshire Business Leaders Join Team Rudy

Manchester, NH – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced New Hampshire Business Leaders for Rudy. The team will help spread Rudy’s commitment to cutting wasteful government spending, restoring fiscal discipline and lowering taxes.

“Rudy Giuliani is famous for improving New York City ’s quality of life. Cutting taxes and eliminating red tape was a key component of that effort,” said Greg Stowell, sales manager with Crown Point Cabinetry in Claremont, who is backing Rudy. “The approach that was successful in New York will be successful for small businesses in New Hampshire and across the nation when Rudy gets to Washington.”

Mayor Giuliani discussed his commitment to cutting taxes and fiscal discipline at a forum in Manchester on Saturday. He was joined at the event by several New Hampshire taxpayers, who highlighted the importance of low taxes to the state’s families and businesses. Giuliani continued his discussion of fiscally conservative policies during visits to Stratham, Seabrook and Portsmouth.

During his eight years as Mayor of New York City, Giuliani helped stimulate the local economy by cutting taxes 23 times and turning a $2.3 billion deficit into a multi-billion dollar surplus. As part of Rudy’s 12 Commitments to the American People, the Mayor pledges to restore fiscal discipline to Washington, while cutting both wasteful spending and taxes.

Florida Business Leaders Join Team Rudy

Florida Business Leaders Join Team Rudy

Business Coalition Announcement Follows “Your Money. Your Choice.” Forum 

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced the leadership team for Florida Business Leaders for Rudy. These businessmen and businesswomen will help promote Rudy’s commitment to cutting wasteful government spending, restoring fiscal discipline and cutting taxes.

“Business leaders across Florida are supporting Rudy Giuliani because they know he is the strongest fiscal conservative running for President,” said Debbie Jallad, Co-Chair of Florida Business Leaders for Rudy and President and Owner of Accredited Bond Agencies of Winter Park. “Rudy’s commitment to easing the burden on businesses and American taxpayers, as with all of his commitments, is backed up by his fiscal record as Mayor of New York City.”

On Saturday, Mayor Rudy Giuliani discussed his commitment to cut taxes and reform the tax code with taxpayers and small business owners in Manchester, New Hampshire at his “Your Money. Your Choice.” forum.

During his eight years as the Mayor of New York City, Giuliani helped stimulate the local economy by cutting taxes 23 times and turning a $2.3 billion deficit into a multi-billion dollar surplus.  As part of Rudy’s 12 Commitments to the American People, Mayor Giuliani pledges to restore fiscal discipline to Washington, while cutting both wasteful spending and taxes.

Team Rudy Unveils California Business Leaders Team

Team Rudy Unveils California Business Leaders Team

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced California Business Leaders for Rudy. The team will be chaired by Kim Quinones, Vice President of Ramirez and Company and help spread Rudy’s commitment to fiscal discipline, ending wasteful government spending and cutting taxes.

“As Mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani achieved what many said could not be done.  Rudy used fiscal conservative principles to turn a $2.3 billion dollar deficit into a multi-billion dollar surplus,” said Bill Simon, Giuliani’s California State Chairman and Director of Policy. “As President, Rudy will restore fiscal discipline to Washington and cut taxes, as he did in New York 23 times.”