Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani was vague about his plans for the 2008 presidential race as he came to Baltimore Wednesday evening to raise funds for the re-election of his friend, Gov. Robert Ehrlich.
But Giuliani admitted what was no secret ? he is “seriously thinking about” running for president, assessing his ability to raise money and build a political organization. In extensive travels across the country, he?s getting a good reception in important primary states such as Iowa, he said.
“You have to get to the point where you feel you can contribute,” Giuliani said.
Ehrlich said, “I think he would be an incredibly strong candidate. His views are in the mainstream of Maryland. ? He would be a very serious candidate.”
But the focus of the event, which attracted about 125 people paying $4,000 a head, was Ehrlich?s effort to win a second term.
“I?m very proud of the governor?s achievements,” Giuliani said at a news conference before the event. “He?s a great role model. ? He?s been fiscally disciplined.”
“You have to get control of government” from the top, Giuliani added. “He?s been a very, very effective leader.”
“This is the kind of governor we need throughout the country. I think he?s going to achieve more in his second term.”
Giuliani helped Ehrlich raise money for his election bid four years ago, and the two men share many political views. “They?re both pretty moderate on the ideological spectrum,” said Ehrlich campaign manager Bo Harmon. “They both have a record of independence.”
“America is not as different as you think it is,” Giuliani said, saying people all over the country are concerned about jobs, crime and drugs. “The American people are more similar than they are different.”
