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Politics

Top fundraiser backs Giuliani

Al Austin says he chose the candidate with the best chance.

By DAVID DeCAMP, Times Staff Writer
Published September 5, 2007

While many veteran Republican fundraisers in Florida have so far shied away from picking a favorite candidate, Tampa developer Al Austin chose former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani. "He's got personality, charisma and people like him," Austin said.
	[Times photo: Chris Zuppa]

Rudy Giuliani landed one of the nation's top Republican fundraisers Tuesday for his presidential bid: Tampa developer Al Austin.

While many veteran GOP fundraisers in Florida have so far shied from picking a favorite, Austin got behind the former New York City mayor, who leads national and Florida polls. Giuliani is due in St. Petersburg on Friday.

"It was just a matter that the candidate that had the best chance of winning is Rudy Giuliani," Austin said, adding, "He's got personality, charisma and people like him."

Wooed by GOP presidential aspirants, Austin has been a major fundraiser for President Bush's two election victories. Austin also was finance chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, helping bankroll its recent state dominance.

The Giuliani campaign, which has led the GOP money race in Florida, announced the addition of Austin and a Boca Raton businessman, Dan Sargeant, as finance co-chairmen for Florida. The news came just as former Sen. Fred Thompson planned to formally join the race later this week.

However, Austin said he has never considered Thompson a strong candidate, though the actor is nice.

"I think when he gets around and talks about the issues, he's not going to generate that much enthusiasm," Austin said.

Jeff Sadosky, a Thompson spokesman, said Thompson's upcoming three-day Florida swing will show voters a candidate who is authentically conservative on issues.

Sargeant, chief operating officer of Sargeant Marine Group, is the brother of Harry Sargeant, who succeeded Austin as the state GOP's finance chairman. The Sargeants raised money for Gov. Charlie Crist.

Austin said he also met with Republican candidates John McCain and Mitt Romney, and a member of Thompson's operation. But meeting with Giuliani and polling results led him to his choice. Giuliani's moderate streak - a problem among some conservatives - will make him the best person to run against Democrats, he said.

But Austin's decision doesn't reflect other top state Republican fundraisers. In Jacksonville, most top fundraisers have stayed neutral, said insurance lobbyist Mike Hightower, a veteran Republican. They're awaiting a meeting with Thompson.

"We don't see a clear winner," he said.

David DeCamp can be reached at ddecamp@sptimes.com or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6232.

[Last modified September 4, 2007, 23:39:52]