Why Rudy Is The Front Runner

[red states rule]

More on why Rudy is still the front runner


Giuliani masters the fundamentals

By: Jeanne Cummings

While Republicans John McCain and Fred Thompson grab headlines for the foundering of one 2008 presidential campaign and the promise of another, Rudy Giuliani's campaign fundamentals are growing stronger.

Giuliani captured the Republican fundraising winner's title in the second quarter, reporting more than $17 million in campaign donations. Only Mitt Romney got close to him, raising more than $14 million from contributors.

But underneath those broad sums there is even greater evidence of strength in the former New York mayor's camp than in other Republican operations. Giuliani has raised more than a million dollars in five states: California, Florida, New Jersey, New York and Texas. Romney has just two million-dollar states: California and Utah.

A review of Giuliani's fundraising pace also shows a steady operation that is bringing in a consistent flow of cash, unlike the sporadic big-dollar days that pop up throughout the other candidates' reports.

Giuliani raised more than $100,000 on 51 of the second quarter's 91 days, often raising upward of $300,000. In contrast, Romney had just 33 days when he raised more than $100,000. At the end of that quarter, Romney reported $12.1 million in cash in the bank -- more than half of it from loans he has made to his campaign. Giuliani had $18 million in the bank, and all of it came from other people.

To be sure, money doesn't solve all problems in politics. Giuliani still must resolve a disconnect between his moderate position on abortion rights and past support for gun control with the right-leaning Republican Party activist base. But the efficiency shown by his early campaign records suggests he will have the resources to get his message out and defend it when attacked by others.

"They are amassing significant amounts of cash," said Anthony Corrado, a campaign finance expert at Colby College. "He will be in a position to do a significant amount of advertising and campaigning later this year."

Still, Corrado wonders if the failure of any well-known conservative candidate to match Giuliani is paving the way for a late entry by former Tennessee Sen. Thompson. Unlike in previous cycles, Democrats are outraising Republicans this year, adding credence to anecdotal reports that some Republicans are sitting on their checkbooks for now. "There seems to be a large space there for another candidate," he said.

In these early months, Giuliani also appears to be the lone Republican front-runner who is organizing his campaign machinery with an eye on expenses. McCain's campaign has burned through about $24 million since January, taking into account the candidate's $1.8 million in debt.

Romney has spent even more, issuing checks for more than $30 million. His payroll is nearly $2 million, and he has already spent about $5 million on television ads. Another $1.8 million of Romney cash went to "finance consulting," which usually means fundraising help. Overall, the former governor of Massachusetts is spending about $4 million per month on his campaign.

After the late start to his campaign, Giuliani has begun aggressively building his operation, but he's spending at a slower rate so far. His monthly "burn rate" in the second quarter was about $3.6 million. His payroll is $1.6 million, the only expenditure area that exceeded a million dollars in the third quarter. Overall, he has spent just $17 million since January.

Of course, things can change quickly, as McCain's dramatic fall from front-runner status has shown. Giuliani's internal numbers show he is building one of the biggest campaign networks among the notable Republican candidates, which could send his costs soaring and test his ability to maintain his fundraising pace.

Like his competitors, he has opened offices in New Hampshire, Iowa and South Carolina, the three traditional early-primary states. But Giuliani also is basing his campaign in New York, which carries big leasing costs, and he's now renting spaces in some of the big states that have moved their primaries. According to his reports, he has opened offices in New Jersey, Florida, Illinois and California. Even the free-spending Romney camp has not extended his campaign operations -- and financial obligations -- that far across the primary map.

Giuliani supporters have made it clear that he plans to compete hard in California, where the delegates are doled out according to congressional districts. That means Giuliani could win the Republican primary in Democratic-leaning districts and still wind up with as many delegates as a candidate who wins such Republican-rich districts as Orange County.

Florida also looms on the primary campaign's radar screen, since it's aiming to hold its primary on Jan. 29. Giuliani doubled his fundraising in the Sunshine State in the second quarter and has made frequent campaign stops there.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0707/4969.html

[micfranklin]

Should I launch into my speech of Giuliani being the front runner because the people are too ignorant to here from other candidates?

[red states rule]

So if folks back another candidate they are stupid to you? Rudy has the best chance of winning, and on the issues that matter the most to me - I agree with him

[micfranklin]

So if folks back another candidate they are stupid to you? Rudy has the best chance of winning, and on the issues that matter the most to me - I agree with him


What's your take on Iraq, since that's the really big topic nowadays?

[nevadamedic]

Should I launch into my speech of Giuliani being the front runner because the people are too ignorant to here from other candidates?


What gets me is there are how many candidates yet the media only lets us here from two or three of their favorites during forums or debates. Everyone knows I am for Tancredo but I would like to hear from some of the other Canidates, give them a chance to fight. Same with the Democratic side. We only here from Clinton, Edwards and Obama, I would like to hear from Dodd and Richardson and the other candidates, I don't think it's right. The media is deciding the front runners not the people. Granted Giuliani is my second choice I want to hear from everyone as my position might change.

[micfranklin]

I hear almost nothing from Mike Huckabee or Duncan Hunter.

[nevadamedic]

I hear almost nothing from Mike Huckabee or Duncan Hunter.


It's a shame noone but the top two or three are herd from. Huckabee and Hunter are both horrible candidates. Of course I have my reasons for them. Huckabee for his handling and support of the Wayne Dumond case. He supported getting This serial rapist out of prison and told the Parole Board that if they didn't Parole him he would Pardon him. Of course the board didn't want him out but atleast on Parole he could be somewhat monitored so they parolled them solely on Huckabees threat. The guy gets out of jail and murders and rapes a little girl. This is one guy we don't need in any office let alone the White House.

[NortheastCynic]

Rudy Giuliani is the frontrunner for one reason, September 11th, period. Without September 11th Rudy would be a socially liberal northeastern Republican with marital issues and a propensity to dress in drag. Without 9/11, Rudy would be a no one outside of NYC.

-NC

[lily]

What gets me is there are how many candidates yet the media only lets us here from two or three of their favorites during forums or debates. Everyone knows I am for Tancredo but I would like to hear from some of the other Canidates, give them a chance to fight. Same with the Democratic side. We only here from Clinton, Edwards and Obama, I would like to hear from Dodd and Richardson and the other candidates, I don't think it's right. The media is deciding the front runners not the people. Granted Giuliani is my second choice I want to hear from everyone as my position might change.


That's not the media's fault it's campaign financing's fault.[hr]
So if folks back another candidate they are stupid to you? Rudy has the best chance of winning, and on the issues that matter the most to me - I agree with him


Oh please let Rudy be the Republican candidate. PLEASE!!!

[nevadamedic]

Rudy Giuliani is the frontrunner for one reason, September 11th, period. Without September 11th Rudy would be a socially liberal northeastern Republican with marital issues and a propensity to dress in drag. Without 9/11, Rudy would be a no one outside of NYC.

-NC


That's not true, he has many other accomplishments.

[red states rule]

Rudy Giuliani is the frontrunner for one reason, September 11th, period. Without September 11th Rudy would be a socially liberal northeastern Republican with marital issues and a propensity to dress in drag. Without 9/11, Rudy would be a no one outside of NYC.

-NC


Here is Rudy's accomplishments

What does Hillary have to offer?

Through robust policing, Giuliani drove overall crime down 56.1 percent, while chopping homicides 66.6 percent, from 1,946 in 1993 to 649 in 2001.

Following national trends, abortions on Giuliani’s watch dropped 16.9 percent, while taxpayer-funded Medicaid abortions plunged 23 percent.

Gotham’s foster-care population fell 38 percent as Giuliani helped loving families adopt 17,804 boys and girls.

By fighting fraud and finding work for legitimate beneficiaries, Giuliani cut welfare rolls 58 percent, starting two years before federal welfare reform. Giuliani renamed welfare offices “Job Centers.”

Giuliani privatized 23,625 previously confiscated, city-owned dwellings, 78 percent of supply, benefiting family and individual homeowners and tenants.

Giuliani dumped Gotham’s 20 percent set-aside and 10 percent overbid bonus for minority and female contractors. “The whole idea of quotas to me perpetuates discrimination,” he explained. He initiated this on his 24th day in office, far exceeding any colorblindness legislation Congress even debated during the 12-year “Republican Revolution.”

Giuliani’s $10 million Charter School Improvement Fund helped 3,286 pupils in 17 new charter schools, up from $0 and zero campuses in 1997. He ended tenure for school principals, so slackers could be sacked. He also stopped social promotion; students needed to complete grade-level work to matriculate.

Ex-pornography mecca Times Square now welcomes families, tourists and locals for fully clothed musicals like “The Lion King” and “Mary Poppins

[NortheastCynic]

Nevadamedic and RSR, I did not say that he accomplished nothing, I said he would be a no one outside of New York. I stand by that. What he did in NYC prior to 9/11 would not nearly be enough for him to even consider a presidential run.

-NC

[red states rule]

Nevadamedic and RSR, I did not say that he accomplished nothing, I said he would be a no one outside of New York. I stand by that. What he did in NYC prior to 9/11 would not nearly be enough for him to even consider a presidential run.

-NC


Rudy continues to maintain (and expand) his lead

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/us/republican_presidential_nomination-192.html

He will beat Hillary in a national election. I do not see how she can win the Electoral College given her huge negatives

[micfranklin]

Well RSR and I agree that someone is beating out Hilary.

But I gotta say it's foreign and national issues that everyone wants to hear about first, so uh, what do you think about his stances on those?

[red states rule]

Well RSR and I agree that someone is beating out Hilary.

But I gotta say it's foreign and national issues that everyone wants to hear about first, so uh, what do you think about his stances on those?


On Judges he would appoint men like Scalia and Thomas, he is opposed to surrender in Iraq, he is for tax cuts, and unlike liberals he will not impose his personal views on the rest of America

[micfranklin]

Well RSR and I agree that someone is beating out Hilary.

But I gotta say it's foreign and national issues that everyone wants to hear about first, so uh, what do you think about his stances on those?


On Judges he would appoint men like Scalia and Thomas, he is opposed to surrender in Iraq, he is for tax cuts, and unlike liberals he will not impose his personal views on the rest of America


I'm opposed to surrender in Iraq also, but I'm for pulling out of Iraq.

[red states rule]

Another way of saying surrender

[Lazarus]

Giuilianis' gun-control policies will be his downfall.
That is the embodiment of his overall push to restrict personal freedoms.

All of the major Rep candidates suffer that affliction, which means that they will all end up being also-rans.

Image can only take one so far.

And the ashes of 9/11 will run out before the election comes.
Without Rudy being able to annoint his head with these ashes, he is nothing.

[red states rule]

Unlike Hillary (who will be the Dems choice) Rudy will not impose his personal views on the rest of Amercia

With Hillary as the Dems choice, she will bring out alot of Republican voters who will vote against her

[nevadamedic]

Nevadamedic and RSR, I did not say that he accomplished nothing, I said he would be a no one outside of New York. I stand by that. What he did in NYC prior to 9/11 would not nearly be enough for him to even consider a presidential run.

-NC


Actually he got nationwide publicity in the 80's for being the one to successfully bring down the Mafia Commission. The only Attorney to put away not only the head of a crime family but the heads of the major crime families.

[lily]

On Judges he would appoint men like Scalia and Thomas, he is opposed to surrender in Iraq, he is for tax cuts, and unlike liberals he will not impose his personal views on the rest of America


When you say he's not going to impose his personal views on America, do you mean his views on abortion, gun control and gay marriage?

[nevadamedic]

On Judges he would appoint men like Scalia and Thomas, he is opposed to surrender in Iraq, he is for tax cuts, and unlike liberals he will not impose his personal views on the rest of America


When you say he's not going to impose his personal views on America, do you mean his views on abortion, gun control and gay marriage?


Do you exactly know what those views are?

[lily]

Do you exactly know what those views are?



Yes I do. He is pro-choice, pro gun control and pro gay marriage.

[nevadamedic]

Do you exactly know what those views are?



Yes I do. He is pro-choice, pro gun control and pro gay marriage.


Anything wrong with those issues?

Pro-Choice I don't know how I feel honestly. I think it is murder but I also feel that it's a womans body, it's her choice, so I am mixed and confused on this subject. ~ Hey atleast im honest.

Pro Gun Control I think that American's should be able to own Guns and all that jazz but I feel that only Law Enforcement and Military Personnel should be able to carry a concieled weapon.

Gay Marriage Oh boy, well it is definatly not my thing but if they want to do it, why not? It isn't affecting us. What people want to do in their personal life is their choice and if they want to be with someone of the same sex then so be it and should not be degraded, harassed, abused, bashed or anything else because of it. They are people and they have rights period.

[lily]

Anything wrong with those issues?

Pro-Choice I don't know how I feel honestly. I think it is murder but I also feel that it's a womans body, it's her choice, so I am mixed and confused on this subject. ~ Hey atleast im honest.

Pro Gun Control I think that American's should be able to own Guns and all that jazz but I feel that only Law Enforcement and Military Personnel should be able to carry a concieled weapon.

Gay Marriage Oh boy, well it is definatly not my thing but if they want to do it, why not? It isn't affecting us. What people want to do in their personal life is their choice and if they want to be with someone of the same sex then so be it and should not be degraded, harassed, abused, bashed or anything else because of it. They are people and they have rights period.



Well then good for you.........unfortunately most Conservatives don't share your view and they also vote.

[nevadamedic]

Oh yea and im tired of all these hipocrits who are against gay rights saying its not normal but that is only when it comes to gay men. When guys hear about lesbian or bi-sexual women they are in heaven, it makes no sense. It is hypocritical.[hr]


Anything wrong with those issues?

Pro-Choice I don't know how I feel honestly. I think it is murder but I also feel that it's a womans body, it's her choice, so I am mixed and confused on this subject. ~ Hey atleast im honest.

Pro Gun Control I think that American's should be able to own Guns and all that jazz but I feel that only Law Enforcement and Military Personnel should be able to carry a concieled weapon.

Gay Marriage Oh boy, well it is definatly not my thing but if they want to do it, why not? It isn't affecting us. What people want to do in their personal life is their choice and if they want to be with someone of the same sex then so be it and should not be degraded, harassed, abused, bashed or anything else because of it. They are people and they have rights period.



Well then good for you.........unfortunately most Conservatives don't share your view and they also vote.


Yea well just because im a Conservative doesn't mean I share all the views, I just share most. Some of them really piss me off.

[Labrocca]

Rudy Giuliani is the frontrunner for one reason, September 11th, period. Without September 11th Rudy would be a socially liberal northeastern Republican with marital issues and a propensity to dress in drag. Without 9/11, Rudy would be a no one outside of NYC.

-NC


Almost all candidates have nothing going for them outside their small area. Senators, congressman, and even governors are all local governments. NYC however is one serious city to govern. While I do not believe NYC represents America it does represent a challenge for government and in that Rudy succeeded. IMHO...well before 9/11 he was a candidate for President.

[micfranklin]

Another way of saying surrender


Surrender would be giving our troops up to the local terrorists. Withdrawal would be bringing them back here.

And does he know why we went into Iraq?

[Labrocca]

Another way of saying surrender


Surrender would be giving our troops up to the local terrorists. Withdrawal would be bringing them back here.

And does he know why we went into Iraq?


I guess the local citizens don't mean shit to you? They don't mean anything to me either so I am ok with them being slaughtered by the thousands. I am glad you feel the same.

[lily]

I guess the local citizens don't mean shit to you? They don't mean anything to me either so I am ok with them being slaughtered by the thousands. I am glad you feel the same.


Are we talking about Iraqis or New Yorkers?

.......cuz if we're talking about Iraqis, I think we've been more than patient waiting for them to stand up............or is that now passe'?

[nevadamedic]

Rudy Giuliani is the frontrunner for one reason, September 11th, period. Without September 11th Rudy would be a socially liberal northeastern Republican with marital issues and a propensity to dress in drag. Without 9/11, Rudy would be a no one outside of NYC.

-NC


Almost all candidates have nothing going for them outside their small area. Senators, congressman, and even governors are all local governments. NYC however is one serious city to govern. While I do not believe NYC represents America it does represent a challenge for government and in that Rudy succeeded. IMHO...well before 9/11 he was a candidate for President.


Exactly, couldn't have said it better myself, but he is still my #2 you all know my number one :ecstatic:[hr]

Another way of saying surrender


Surrender would be giving our troops up to the local terrorists. Withdrawal would be bringing them back here.

And does he know why we went into Iraq?


Do you?[hr]

I guess the local citizens don't mean shit to you? They don't mean anything to me either so I am ok with them being slaughtered by the thousands. I am glad you feel the same.


Are we talking about Iraqis or New Yorkers?

.......cuz if we're talking about Iraqis, I think we've been more than patient waiting for them to stand up............or is that now passe'?


Weither you agree with it or not, we created this mess we cant just pick up in the middle and leave.

[NortheastCynic]

Almost all candidates have nothing going for them outside their small area. Senators, congressman, and even governors are all local governments. NYC however is one serious city to govern. While I do not believe NYC represents America it does represent a challenge for government and in that Rudy succeeded. IMHO...well before 9/11 he was a candidate for President.Lab, the way I see it, let's pretend 9/11 never happened. Is Rudy Giuliani leading the GOP Primary polls? I don't think so.

-NC

[lily]

Weither you agree with it or not, we created this mess we cant just pick up in the middle and leave.


:question::question: What :question::question: You mean that catchy phrase/war strategy of "When they stand up, We'll stand down", was just a stall tactic? I don't know about you, but I think 5 years is plenty long to start seeing results, especially when our soldiers are doing 4-5 tours with little rest in-between.

But you know you're right we did break it, we should fix it.....but then I think again, it's 5 years now and billions of dollars later given to no-bid contracts, that we sent millions over in suitcases that just "got lost".........foreigners paid 4-6 times what our soldiers get paid, when we could have paid Iraqis 1/4 of what we paid foreigners to come in and build, and by now, they would have their city re-built, money in their pockets and an economy up and running.......but then hey, that's just me.......I want to see something done. Not excuses.

[micfranklin]

Do you?

No. We didn't have any reason to be there, other than Bush and Congress making us go there, even though it was all a lie.

[tony28]

More on why Rudy is still the front runner



giuliani being the front-runner for the gop party is a testament to how idiotic conservatives are and the state of american politics.

[maineman]

If Rudy and Hillary get the nods, right wing, hard core conservative religious right voters (and the rest of us, too, of course) will have the choice between a pro-choice, pro-gay rights, pro-gun control New York moderate with a penis and pro-choice, pro-gay rights, pro-gun control New York moderate with a vagina. I wonder how many of THEM will come out to vote for that selection?

[micfranklin]

This election is seriously scaring the shit out of me, just thinking about the choices.

[lily]

Mic.......I'm not sure about your age. Will you be old enough to vote in this election?

[Bill55AZ]

If Rudy and Hillary get the nods, right wing, hard core conservative religious right voters (and the rest of us, too, of course) will have the choice between a pro-choice, pro-gay rights, pro-gun control New York moderate with a penis and pro-choice, pro-gay rights, pro-gun control New York moderate with a vagina. I wonder how many of THEM will come out to vote for that selection?

I agree, and think that Rudy would be the better choice of those 2, not that I want either of them.
BTW, Which one has the penis?:ponder:

[preservanation]

I think Rudy is going to resurrect his campaign by going after Moveon and attacking Hillary for not denouncing their actions.
A wise move.
All GOP candidates ought to follow suit.[hr]
If Rudy and Hillary get the nods, right wing, hard core conservative religious right voters (and the rest of us, too, of course) will have the choice between a pro-choice, pro-gay rights, pro-gun control New York moderate with a penis and pro-choice, pro-gay rights, pro-gun control New York moderate with a vagina. I wonder how many of THEM will come out to vote for that selection?
What party will be the first to put up a mulatto hermaphrodite?
A shoe-in, fur sure!

[lily]

I think Rudy is going to resurrect his campaign by going after Moveon and attacking Hillary for not denouncing their actions.
A wise move.

It's only a wise move if you don't want to talk about the issues and if Hillary takes the bait. So far, she's talking issues and refusing to play Rudy's game. It's too early to start deflecting and wanting someone to go on the defensive.


All GOP candidates ought to follow suit.

I agree......it's a sure winner for the Democrats.:D

[preservanation]

You are correct lily.
If Hillary can remain behind the walls of Clinton Inc and the press she might be able to ride this out.
Politically she is doing the smart thing, especially by not criticizing Moveon.
That is certain financial and image suicide in the Dem party.
There are hoards of rabid libs waiting in the wings to excoriate any and all Dems who dare to disagree or challenge them.

They own the ether-sphere and attacks, true and false will abound and Soros' wallet will snap shut like a bear trap.

[Yamel]

I have to agree with you about Gulianni being the front runner. To tell you the truth I like Thompson. I've heard from Dems that they would vote for Guliani if it was between CLinton and Guliani. I believe that this is a good thing. Like you said on the big issue "terrorism" he is strong. This is a war against Socialism/Liberalism/terrorism and we cannot allowed them to take control and mess up what we have accomplished in these eight years. Korea and Lybia ending their nuke enrichment programs, taking out enemy leaders of countries that are threatining freedom throughout the world and replacing with democratically elected gov., lower taxes and keeping us safe since 9/11. I forgot a great economy. Not bad for a dumb ass, evil tyrant from Texas right.

[preservanation]

This whole political thing is a complicated game of chess when you get to this level and when dealing with the likes of Clinton Inc. Not much is what it seems and the maneuvering and political feinting is big, big league. The best strategists in the world are working feverishly to secure power.
We would all be better off if they took half of that skill and effort to defeat the enemies of America as they do to defeat their fellow Americans on the other side of the aisle.

[Yamel]

Wouldn't that be great if liberals would for once fight terrorists and enemies of the U.S. instead of taking on Wal mart and opposing those trying to fight for justice and freedom in the world. Or simply just to be political taking on the other side just to be against them; fully knowing that this hurts America.

[preservanation]

Wouldn't that be great if liberals would for once fight terrorists and enemies of the U.S. instead of taking on Wal mart and opposing those trying to fight for justice and freedom in the world. Or simply just to be political taking on the other side just to be against them; fully knowing that this hurts America.
They're willing to talk to Imonajihad in Iran but refuse to talk to Brit Hume on FOX.
What a disgrace!

[April15]

It matters not what Rudy is. Hillary will be the next president of America!

[preservanation]

It matters not what Rudy is. Hillary will be the next president of America!
A socialist dream come true!

[April15]

It matters not what Rudy is. Hillary will be the next president of America!
A socialist dream come true!
The last hope for America. Not a dream.

[namguy]

More on why Rudy is still the front runner


Giuliani masters the fundamentals

By: Jeanne Cummings

While Republicans John McCain and Fred Thompson grab headlines for the foundering of one 2008 presidential campaign and the promise of another, Rudy Giuliani's campaign fundamentals are growing stronger.

Giuliani captured the Republican fundraising winner's title in the second quarter, reporting more than $17 million in campaign donations. Only Mitt Romney got close to him, raising more than $14 million from contributors.

But underneath those broad sums there is even greater evidence of strength in the former New York mayor's camp than in other Republican operations. Giuliani has raised more than a million dollars in five states: California, Florida, New Jersey, New York and Texas. Romney has just two million-dollar states: California and Utah.

A review of Giuliani's fundraising pace also shows a steady operation that is bringing in a consistent flow of cash, unlike the sporadic big-dollar days that pop up throughout the other candidates' reports.

Giuliani raised more than $100,000 on 51 of the second quarter's 91 days, often raising upward of $300,000. In contrast, Romney had just 33 days when he raised more than $100,000. At the end of that quarter, Romney reported $12.1 million in cash in the bank -- more than half of it from loans he has made to his campaign. Giuliani had $18 million in the bank, and all of it came from other people.

To be sure, money doesn't solve all problems in politics. Giuliani still must resolve a disconnect between his moderate position on abortion rights and past support for gun control with the right-leaning Republican Party activist base. But the efficiency shown by his early campaign records suggests he will have the resources to get his message out and defend it when attacked by others.

"They are amassing significant amounts of cash," said Anthony Corrado, a campaign finance expert at Colby College. "He will be in a position to do a significant amount of advertising and campaigning later this year."

Still, Corrado wonders if the failure of any well-known conservative candidate to match Giuliani is paving the way for a late entry by former Tennessee Sen. Thompson. Unlike in previous cycles, Democrats are outraising Republicans this year, adding credence to anecdotal reports that some Republicans are sitting on their checkbooks for now. "There seems to be a large space there for another candidate," he said.

In these early months, Giuliani also appears to be the lone Republican front-runner who is organizing his campaign machinery with an eye on expenses. McCain's campaign has burned through about $24 million since January, taking into account the candidate's $1.8 million in debt.

Romney has spent even more, issuing checks for more than $30 million. His payroll is nearly $2 million, and he has already spent about $5 million on television ads. Another $1.8 million of Romney cash went to "finance consulting," which usually means fundraising help. Overall, the former governor of Massachusetts is spending about $4 million per month on his campaign.

After the late start to his campaign, Giuliani has begun aggressively building his operation, but he's spending at a slower rate so far. His monthly "burn rate" in the second quarter was about $3.6 million. His payroll is $1.6 million, the only expenditure area that exceeded a million dollars in the third quarter. Overall, he has spent just $17 million since January.

Of course, things can change quickly, as McCain's dramatic fall from front-runner status has shown. Giuliani's internal numbers show he is building one of the biggest campaign networks among the notable Republican candidates, which could send his costs soaring and test his ability to maintain his fundraising pace.

Like his competitors, he has opened offices in New Hampshire, Iowa and South Carolina, the three traditional early-primary states. But Giuliani also is basing his campaign in New York, which carries big leasing costs, and he's now renting spaces in some of the big states that have moved their primaries. According to his reports, he has opened offices in New Jersey, Florida, Illinois and California. Even the free-spending Romney camp has not extended his campaign operations -- and financial obligations -- that far across the primary map.

Giuliani supporters have made it clear that he plans to compete hard in California, where the delegates are doled out according to congressional districts. That means Giuliani could win the Republican primary in Democratic-leaning districts and still wind up with as many delegates as a candidate who wins such Republican-rich districts as Orange County.

Florida also looms on the primary campaign's radar screen, since it's aiming to hold its primary on Jan. 29. Giuliani doubled his fundraising in the Sunshine State in the second quarter and has made frequent campaign stops there.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0707/4969.html


Wrong man for the job:shame:

[Bill55AZ]

All that is significant only if the election is being bought, and I have to wonder how many special interests are funneling the money to him. At any rate, the fickle voter can turn Rudy away in a matter of minutes. Once the opposition starts attacking his moral low ground compared to others, it could be all over.
You can bet other Republicans will make an issue of it, and if he still wins the nomination, the Democrats will do the same.
As for me, I want a moderate candidate who is past doing his thinking with the little head.

[namguy]

All that is significant only if the election is being bought, and I have to wonder how many special interests are funneling the money to him. At any rate, the fickle voter can turn Rudy away in a matter of minutes. Once the opposition starts attacking his moral low ground compared to others, it could be all over.
You can bet other Republicans will make an issue of it, and if he still wins the nomination, the Democrats will do the same.
As for me, I want a moderate candidate who is past doing his thinking with the little head.


Indeed:clapper: