Giuliani Goes for Broke in Fla.

In run-up to must-win primary, GOP hopeful maxes out time, money

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 18, 2008 4:45 PM CST

(Newser) – Rudy Giuliani has put every penny toward victory in Florida, hoping to build a dam that rising waters can’t breach. Come Jan. 29, says his campaign chairman, “we'll be the smartest guys in America or the dumbest guys in America.” Giuliani’s been to Florida nearly 30 times and doesn't plan to let up before the big day, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Anti-abortion protesters trail Giuliani, and polls show trends tipping away from him daily—he was fourth in a recent national poll. But he’s not letting that pin him down: He’s running on faith and won’t let conflicts between cutting taxes and upping military spending change his pitch. “You can't go back,” he concludes.

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Former New York City Mayor and Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani is greeted by students of the North West Ballet Academy during a campaign stop in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 17,... (Associated Press)

Former New York City Mayor and Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani talks to a filled-to-capacity crowd during a campaign stop at a local restaurant in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Thursday Jan.... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential candidate, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, speaks at the Associated Press Legislative meeting, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phil Coale) (Associated Press)

Republican presidential candidate, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, right, shakes hands with Florida Governor Charlie Crist during a campaign stop, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in Tallahassee, Fla.(AP... (Associated Press)

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Giuliani Goes for Broke in Fla.