the rix mix

With the Republican Party in need of money for the November elections, former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani has offered to appear at fund-raisers around the country for G.O.P. candidates. But there is a catch: He wants some cash out of the deal.

Rudolph W. Giuliani is trying to reduce a $3.6 million campaign debt through joint fund-raisers.

Mr. Giuliani’s aides have told the National Republican Congressional Committee and Congressional candidates that if he makes an appearance, he wants the candidates to help him get rid of his presidential campaign debt.

The big problem is that Rudy loaned himself $500,000, & if he doesn't pay himself back by September, federal campaign law could make him lose half of it. So he's become his own loanshark, & since he can't shake down himself, he has to shake down other people.

The prospect of a Giuliani presidency was more frightening than any other candidate in the Repug field. For awhile, none of the ugly personal & political truths about Rudy took hold outside the tristate bubble. Even the truth about the day he became "America's Mayor" wasn't getting out; facts like the tragically flawed fire dept communications system, & that he located the New York City Office of Emergency Management on the 23rd floor of 7 World Trade Center (Mayor Bloomberg wisely moved it to Brooklyn). Rudy was wandering around in utter confusion on 9/11 because he had no command center to use for commanding. He was a leader by default, with the President showing no leadership. It also looked as if the Repug nomination was going to someone by default - it eventually did - & it could have been Rudy.

Labels: THE election