NPR: Giuliani Uses 'Reality' Against Romney

Giuliani Uses 'Reality' Against Romney

Just hours before the GOP presidential hopefuls appear on the CNN/YouTube debate, the battle between Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney has been kicked up a notch. Until today, the two have traded verbal shots. But Giuliani's many press releases have been almost entirely focused on Giuliani himself: his record, his philosophy, his speeches and appearances.

Now comes "The Romney Reality" from Giuliani and his supporters in Massachusetts; 1400 words attacking the former Massachusetts governor's record on taxes and spending. It's studded with 20 hotlinks to websites that will presumably back up Giuliani's arguments. And the release begins with a quote from another former Massachusetts governor, Paul Cellucci. "By any measure," he says, " Mitt Romney was unable to bring about the fiscal discipline in Massachusetts that Mayor Rudy Giuliani brought to New York City." (Meanwhile, Massachusetts just moved its primary up to Feb. 5.)

Romney has been attacking Giuliani lately for being soft on illegal immigration when he was mayor of New York City, for his opposition to a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage and for poor judgment in appointing Bernard Kerik as New York police commissioner. Kerik has pleaded guilty to state corruption charges and was recently indicted by the federal government.

While Giuliani leads in most national polls, he trails Romney in most polls in the early-voting states. A recent New Hampshire survey showed Romney leading with 33% of the vote, while Giuliani trailed in third place with 16%.

- Ina Jaffe

4:42 PM ET | 11-28-2007 | permalink

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