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Questions Dog Longtime Giuliani Friend

Candidate's company employs priest accused of child sex abuse

By Caroline Zimmerman,  Newser User

Posted Jun 22, 2007 6:13 PM CDT

(Newser) – A Catholic priest who was best man at Rudy Giuliani's first wedding, performed his second marriage, and presided at his parents' funerals is on the payroll of the candidate's consulting firm—and suspended from his pastoral duties because he has been accused of sexually abusing children. Salon looks at the relationship and what it says about the famously loyal Giuliani.

A spokeswoman for the company says Giuliani believes his childhood friend Alan Placa "has been unjustly accused." Placa's job description is murky, but his personal ties are clear. Regardless of the personal history, the association remains problematic: "I think Rudy Giuliani has to account for his friendship with a credibly accused child molester," said one critic.

Republican presidential hopeful former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani speaks to potential supporters, Wednesday, June 20, 2007, in Des Moines, Iowa, during his first visit to the state since saying he would skip the Iowa straw poll in August. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Republican presidential hopeful former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani speaks to potential supporters, Wednesday, June 20, 2007, in Des Moines, Iowa, during his first visit to the state since saying...   (Associated Press)
Republican presidential hopeful former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani speaks to the media following a campaign event, Wednesday, June 20, 2007, in Des Moines, Iowa. It was Giuliani's first visit to the state since saying he would skip the Iowa straw poll in August.  (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Republican presidential hopeful former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani speaks to the media following a campaign event, Wednesday, June 20, 2007, in Des Moines, Iowa. It was Giuliani's first visit to...   (Associated Press)
Republican presidential hopeful former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani speaks to potential supporters, Wednesday, June 20, 2007, in Des Moines, Iowa, during his first visit to the state since saying he would skip the Iowa straw poll in August.  (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Republican presidential hopeful former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani speaks to potential supporters, Wednesday, June 20, 2007, in Des Moines, Iowa, during his first visit to the state since saying...   (Associated Press)
Pope Benedict XVI's touches the crucifix hanging around his neck as he meets journalists during the flight from Rome to Sao Paulo, Brazil,  Wednesday, May 9, 2007. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Pope Benedict XVI's touches the crucifix hanging around his neck as he meets journalists during the flight from Rome to Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, May 9, 2007. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)   (Associated Press)
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