Giuliani Notes: Yesterday Texas – Tomorrow South Carolina
Pat Oxford of Bracewell and Giuliani
Houston Chronicle: Rudolph Giuliani mines for Texas funds
With his distinctive New York accent and his liberal stands on social issues, Rudolph Giuliani hardly seems like the kind of possible presidential contender who would warm the hearts of Texas Republicans.
Nevertheless, the former New York City mayor has been mining the state for money, including a fundraiser Thursday evening in Houston, as part of an aggressive Lone Star courtship bolstered by his decision to hook up in 2005 with the local law firm now known as Bracewell & Giuliani.
“I think he’s got tremendous potential for fundraising in Texas because of the law firm,” said Charles Black, a GOP consultant who worked on George H.W. Bush’s presidential campaigns.
Giuliani clearly is capitalizing on his Bracewell ties, with the firm’s managing partner, Pat Oxford, expected to be chairman of Giuliani’s presidential exploratory committee.
Sugar Land Mayor David Wallace
Sugar Land Mayor David Wallace, who calls himself “a strong hard right wing when it comes to social issues” and who was a host of the Giuliani event in Houston, said many conservatives will back the former New York mayor for pragmatic reasons. He noted that polls show that Giuliani has wide support and could beat leading Democratic contender, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
“I think that Rudy Giuliani appeals to a broader universe of people throughout the United States,” he said.
The Giuliani fundraiser, which included a reception followed by dinner, was held at The Houstonian, which was the legal residence of former President Bush when he was in the White House. Guests were limited under the law to giving $2,100.
More than 100 attended the cocktail reception, where Giuliani talked — quite humorously at times — for 20 minutes, said some in attendance.
He answered questions on issues such as running against Clinton and the war in Iraq, they said.
After the reception, more than 30 donors — each reportedly paying $30,000 — went to the compound’s Manor House for a private dinner.
Pay to Play.
But, the Presidential hopefuls must raise $100 million for a bona fide media campaign.
And now onto South Carolina on Saturday.
CNN: Giuliani scores key South Carolina supporter
When former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani visits a meeting of South Carolina Republicans Saturday, he will be escorted around by a guide well-traveled in Palmetto State GOP circles.
Scott Malyerck, who just recently stepped down as executive director of the South Carolina Republican Party, is supporting Giuliani’s bid for president. This is a big get for the former New York City mayor, because Malyerck not only has a firm understanding of Palmetto State politics, but also has strong ties to New Hampshire. Malyerck, a Granite State native, also served as the executive director of the New Hampshire Republican Party in the late 1980’s.
“The country and the party both hunger for leadership,” Malyerck said in an interview. “Even though there are a lot of fine men seeking the nomination, there is only one that has demonstrated the kind of proven leadership our country needs at this time.
“Republicans are not looking for fluff. They are looking for the real deal, and they have it with Rudy Giuliani,” he added.
Tomorrow morning Hizzoner will speak to the South Carolina GOP Executive Committee.
Stay tuned……
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