Rudy Giuliani's presidential campaign sent out a press release today announcing that former Congresswoman Anne Northup has endorsed their camp. Northup will serve as Giuliani's Kentucky chairperson.
Some might suggest that the endorsement is insignificant, given Kentucky's late primary date, but the move is a good one for Northup. It provides the opportunity for her to serve in a high-profile leadership role, while also allowing her to carve a more independent political path.
It is also much needed for Giuliani, who has had little in the way of a visible campaign presence in Kentucky. Recent SurveyUSA polling shows Giuliani trailing in a head-to-head matchup against (presumptive Democrat nominee) Hillary Clinton.
Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee also trail. John McCain and Fred Thompson best Clinton.
To Kentuckians, Giuliani is likely the most well-known of the GOP presidential contenders. His stance on some social issues, however, doesn't mesh with those of many conservatives in the Commonwealth. The backing of Northup, who is both pro-life and (mostly) pro-gun, might help assauge some (the question of whether Kentucky will even be competitive for the Democrats in 2008, i.e. whether Clinton has a shot here, is another topic for another day).
Why now for Northup? The announcement might bring in a few more bucks for a couple of Giuliani fundraisers in Lexington and Louisville next month.
More support for Rudy
Sources tell KyPolitics.org that Northup is not the only high-profile GOP leader in Kentucky to cast their lot with Rudy. Cathy Bailey, a prolific Republican fundraiser who currently serves as the U.S. Ambassador to Latvia, is also backing Giuliani.
Bailey hosted Giuliani at a Kentucky Derby party at her home in Louisville in 2004 - the two are said to be close friends. She offers Giuliani a great deal in terms of fundraising and connections.
Her support might be an indication of how U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell leans in the presidential race. It is hard to imagine that Bailey would be working for Giuliani without the advice/consent of McConnell or his folks.
It is also interesting, considering the rumors swirling about Bailey's possible return to Kentucky to replace Steve Robertson as RPK chair.
This is fake poll this is a ripoff and they know it
Posted by: James Harris | November 23, 2007 at 07:45 PM
Rudy Guiliani will not win a single primary. How did he even get into the Republican Party? (Gun-control? Taxes? )
If you are a actually a conservative, you will vote for the only true conservative running, Ron Paul.
Posted by: John Smith | November 23, 2007 at 11:34 PM