Print

Email story

Comment

Letter to the editor

Election 2004

Giuliani rolls intoSafety Harbor for Bush

Mayor Pam Corbino says she isn't sure why Safety Harbor has suddenly become a popular place for Republican activity.

By MEGAN SCOTT
Published November 2, 2004

SAFETY HARBOR - Quiet little Safety Harbor has become a coveted political prize.

Two weeks ago, President Bush came to town, shook hands, signed autographs and took pictures with city commissioners.

And on Monday, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, one of his biggest cheerleaders, appeared at the Gazebo on Main Street to rally the crowd to re-elect Bush.

"The whole election is coming down to Florida," said Giuliani. "We need to return George Bush to the White House. Let's do our job so the president can do his job for four more years."

Mayor Pam Corbino said she is not sure why Safety Harbor, which has 10,642 registered voters, has been targeted by well-known Republicans.

Before Bush, a president had never visited Safety Harbor. Giuliani had never been there either.

"The past two weeks have been nothing short of unbelievable," said Corbino, a steadfast Republican. "Safety Harbor was the best-kept secret in Tampa Bay. That may not be the case any longer."

Corbino said she got a call on Thursday informing her that Gov. Jeb Bush and Giuliani were coming. The governor, though, later canceled, citing a conflict.

Many political analysts believe the election may come down to Florida, just as in 2000.

Rep. Mike Bilirakis, who introduced Giuliani, told the crowd that Tampa Bay is probably going to determine the election.

"It's in our hands," he said. "If you believe in empowering individuals, if you believe lower taxes means more freedom ... vote for George W. Bush."

Giuliani gained national attention for his leadership after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He has been crisscrossing the country campaigning for the incumbent.

Three weeks ago, he appeared at a community college in Pasco County, where he told a crowd of 900 that Bush had made the country safer.

His speech Monday was much the same.

He thanked the crowd for having "good judgment" and electing Bush as president the first time. He also encouraged them to elect Mel Martinez to the Senate.

"Please work tirelessly today and tomorrow to bring to the polls everyone you know," he said. "Right now, Florida and America need George Bush even more."

Giuliani said Bush is a proven leader who has increased spending on education and reduced taxes for the middle class. He called Sen. John Kerry a flip-flopper on the Iraq war and said the challenger would raise taxes.

"We need a resolute leader," he said. "George W. Bush is a real person. He tells you what he thinks. He sticks with principle."

The crowd of about 300 at the Gazebo on Monday wasn't nearly as big as the one for Bush, which drew about 1,000 people to Main Street.

Most of them carried Bush-Cheney signs. A couple had on New York Yankees hats. There was even a baby wearing a Bush T-shirt and baseball cap.

"He's a great man," said Joyce Underwood, who lives in Clearwater. "The way he handled 9/11, I don't think anyone could have done it better."

When the rally was over, Giuliani lingered, shaking hands, taking pictures and signing autographs.

Evelyn Van Vonno said she wished more people had come. She made a banner that read: Safety Harbor Loves New York .

She loves her town's newfound fame.

"It's on the map, and it's good," said Van Vonno, who has lived in Safety Harbor for 24 years. "It's about time."

-- Times researcher Carolyn Edds contributed to this report.

[Last modified November 2, 2004, 06:21:03]