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Giuliani picks up four more endorsements from members |
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By Sam Youngman
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Posted: 08/01/07 08:57 PM [ET] |
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) this week announced endorsements from four members of Congress, and one campaign official said more lawmakers would voice their support for the White House hopeful in the coming days.
Illinois Reps. Judy Biggert (R) and Jerry Weller (R) and Pennsylvania Reps. Phil English (R) and Jim Gerlach (R)
endorsed Giuliani Monday.
“Mayor Giuliani is the only candidate for president who has demonstrated the ability to lead in a time of immense national crisis,” Weller said in a statement. “No one can forget how this leadership reassured America and brought New York City back from the 9/11 attacks.”
Giuliani’s week of announcements of congressional support underscores the importance presidential candidates place on the endorsements. Such support can translate to Washington fundraisers, campaign legitimacy and a consolidation of voter support in the congressman’s district.
“These endorsements signal the increasing number of members of Congress who are looking to work with a candidate who has a proven reputation working with the city and state government to get results,” Giuliani spokeswoman Maria Comella said.
After Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) campaign underwent a shake-up early this month, one of the senator’s first acts was to meet with his Capitol Hill supporters to try to prevent them from fleeing his campaign.
The Hill’s list of congressional endorsements is one of its most viewed pages.
On the Republican side, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney leads the field in lawmaker endorsements. Like Giuliani, Romney lacked a Capitol Hill history or presence on which to build.
McCain continues to place second on the endorsement scoreboard, and most lawmakers seem to be taking a patient approach to McCain’s pledge to persevere and win.
Giuliani thus far has been relatively successful in landing the coveted endorsements, particularly in key states.
The former mayor has lined up support from six lawmakers from California and three from his native New York. Both states moved their primaries up on the calendar this year to Feb. 5.
To that end, Giuliani added to his Super Tuesday chits with two of his most recent announcements, as Illinois also has moved its primary to Feb. 5.
“We must not forget that New York City has a population larger than 39 states,” Weller said. “Mayor Giuliani turned around a city that was in a downward spiral by drastically reducing crime, reforming welfare and attracting jobs and investment back to the city.
“I believe he can have the same positive impact on our country. Illinois will benefit from a President Giuliani.”
In a statement, Biggert declared she will hit the campaign trail hard for Giuliani.
“Rudy showed the whole country that he can lead during difficult times,” Biggert said. “It will be an honor to campaign for him in Illinois and communicate his optimistic vision for America to voters.”
Former Sen. Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.) also has been stocking up on lawmaker endorsements, and as of press time, he and Giuliani appeared to be neck-and-neck in the race behind Romney and McCain.
With the race for the Republican nomination wide open, congressional endorsements can serve to assuage voters in areas where a candidate might be considered weak.
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