Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani endorsed Republican George Allen in his 2012 bid for Virginia’s open U.S. Senate seat.
In an email sent to Allen supporters Tuesday morning, the former Republican presidential candidate said Allen was a “good friend” who “understands what it takes to create jobs and reinvigorate America’s entrepreneurial spirit.” Allen’s term as governor from 1994 to 1998 overlapped with Giuliani’s eight years in office.
The high-profile endorsement isn’t surprising, although it does come early in a race that’s months away from a primary and more than a year from the general election. According to CQ Roll Call, Giuliani headlined an Allen fundraiser on Monday where tickets started at $750.
Allen, looking to find his way back to the Senate after losing to Democrat Jim Webb in 2006, will face Tea Party leader Jamie Radtke and a slate of lesser known Republican contenders for the chance to take on likely Democratic nominee Tim Kaine.
Giuliani’s email links to an 80-second video on Allen’s campaign site that shows the hero of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks imploring Virginians to “donate money, donate your time, give him your support, reach out to your friends.” Another link sends readers to a page asking for donations between $25 and $5,000.
