Giuliani Notes: Rudy in Iowa – Evaluate My Whole Record
Republican Presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani laughs with Deana Bradley after Giuliani spotted her New York jacket during his first campaign stop in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Tuesday, April 3, 2007.
Des Moines Register: Giuliani to Iowa GOP: Evaluate my whole record
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani said during his Iowa debut today that he would compete hard for the state’s leadoff caucuses, despite positions on social issues that conflict with a segment of Hawkeye State Republicans.
“I am who I am and people have to evaluate the whole, the whole record,†Giuliani said during a press conference outside a renovated house in Cedar Rapids’ Wellington Heights neighborhood.
Giuliani’s maiden trip to Iowa began as a mob scene at a Hy-Vee grocery store in a once-blighted neighborhood on the city’s southeast side. Dozens of national, New York and Iowa media flocked around him as the former mayor labored to shake hands with the two dozen or so supporters, curious Republicans and celebrity watchers who met him at the store.
“I thought Britney Spears was here,†one disgruntled shopper said, fighting through the scrum.
Giuliani walked the neighborhood with a handful of city leaders, including councilman Brian Fagan, who explained how Cedar Rapids had emulated a New York City program started under Giuliani aimed at revitalizing problem areas.
Republican Presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani, right, walks an inner city neighborhood with local officials during his first campaign stop in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Republican Presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani , left, talks with Harold Walton about the transformation of Walton’s neighborhood.
Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani answers questions from the media during a walking tour of the Wellington Heights neighborhood in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Giuliani said he planned to compete in Iowa, but stopped short of saying he planned to win. Several populous states are talking about moving their primaries to Feb. 5, just weeks after Iowa.
“We’ll do as much campaigning as we can do, here, in New Hampshire, other places and I hope it’s enough,†he said. “We’ll contest in Iowa. We’re going to participate.â€
Cedar Rapids Republican Ann Burigo met Giuliani at the grocery store and approached his staff about volunteering for his campaign.
The 81-year-old transplanted New Yorker, who was living in New York when the city was attacked by terrorists in 2001, described Giuliani as strong and compassionate.
“I like his leadership on September 11th,†she said, explaining that she felt like Giuliani helped New York through its most difficult crisis. “He stands by his decisions and he’s a bulldog.â€
Hopefully, Flap will be able to post some video from the Iowa events later this evening or tomorrow morning.
Update:Â Video footage shot by Kavon at race42008 will be delayed until Friday.
Tomorrow, Rudy is on to Florida with a meeting with Florida Governor Crist first thing in the morning.
Republican Presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani kisses 13-month-old Anna Isabelle Burten as Burten tries to get out of his hold during his first campaign stop in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
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