GOP darling Giuliani lends star power to Bush campaign

Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani lends his star power to Jeb Bush's campaign.

By ADAM C. SMITH, Times Political Editor
© St. Petersburg Times
published June 4, 2002

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS -- Who's the most popular politician in America, George W. Bush or Rudy Giuliani?

Take your pick. Jeb Bush has them both working to get him re-elected.

Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and current Republican superstar, joined Florida's governor in a ballroom packed with firefighters Monday to hail their heroism and Bush's leadership.

"You put your lives at risk in order to protect other people, and it takes a very, very special person to do that," Giuliani told members of the Florida Professional Firefighters union, which endorsed Bush.

"When you have a leader like Gov. Jeb Bush who understands that, both intuitively and substantively, then the wonderful thing about firefighters is your sense of loyalty when the support is there."

Giuliani's popularity rocketed after Sept. 11, making him one of the most sought-after supporters for Republican candidates across the country.

Look for him in a future TV spot: The Bush campaign had a camera crew on hand to film the mayor and governor together.

"Jeb's campaign is doing well because of Jeb's terrific record, but it always helps a campaign when an outstanding figure in public life gives an endorsement," said Mike Murphy, Bush's media consultant.

Giuliani, who also joined the governor at a $1,000-per-person GOP fundraiser in Orlando, has campaigned for Bush in prior elections, as Bush has for him in New York. But that was before Sept. 11 transformed New York's mayor into an American hero.

"This man rose like a giant to show his leadership skills, his passion, his sensitivity, his enormous ability to lead people in a very, very difficult time," Bush told the firefighters. "It was inspiring, for me, to watch him work."

Giuliani, who now heads a private consulting firm, has lent his celebrity to some of the top-priority Republican campaigns around the country, including gubernatorial candidates Bill Simon in California, Mike Fisher in Pennsylvania and George Pataki in New York. Giuliani was widely credited for helping Republican Michael Bloomberg succeed him as New York City mayor.

Bob Carver, president of the 16,500-member firefighters union, said the union endorsed Bush because of the governor's efforts to increase pension, disability and workers compensation benefits. Carver said he was especially proud of the call he received from Bush on Sept. 12.

"He said, "Can I do anything for you?' That, I'm real proud of, that you thought of us," said Carver, noting that it was days before other top Florida officials reached out.

Said Bush: "I will never forget the support you have given me, and I will constantly be your friend."

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright