January 17, 2008
Posted: 01:00 PM ET
 Giuliani's new Florida ad includes a quote from Romney.
Giuliani's new Florida ad includes a quote from Romney.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Republican Mitt Romney launched a new ad in Florida Thursday that showcases the former Massachusetts governor's newly-embraced change theme.

Rudy Giuliani also put up a new ad in the state Thursday that touts praise from several conservatives on his tax record. The 30-second spot, “Quotes”, even includes a line from Romney praising the former New York City mayor: "Mayor Giuliani has a great record on cutting taxes."

In Romney’s new 30-second spot, “Chairs”, he tells viewers that "I keep hearing the same thing, that Washington is broken."

"If you send the same people back to Washington just to sit in different chairs, nothing will happen," he continues. "I will change Washington. I will take it apart and put it back together. I know how to bring change."

The new ad is a clear sign Romney plans to fight for Florida — a state where rival Giuliani has focused most of his campaign resources. In an interview over the weekend, the former mayor said a win in the state was critical to his presidential chances.

Although Giuliani has staked his White House bid almost entirely on Florida's January 29 primary, Romney has significantly outspent him in television advertising there.

According to an analysis from TNS Media Intelligence/CMAG, CNN's consultant on television campaign advertising, Romney has spent close to $3 million on 3,500 spots in Florida while Giuliani has spent roughly $2 million on 2,100 spots. No other candidate has gone up with advertising there.

Recent polls out of Florida suggest a tight four-way battle for the top spot between Giuliani, Romney, Mike Huckabee, and John McCain.

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Florida • Presidential Candidates


sage   January 20th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

Congrats to Joe Crandall- he gets it!!!!!!!

The Giuliani juggernaut terrifies the Democrats & the Media, much as Reagan did, because both Giuliani and Reagan are beholden to nobody………………

Chutzpah is what it took to transform NYC, they said it couldn't be done…..

Now then, do the American people have the backbone to put Giuliani in the Whitehouse???? OR will they choose a pathetic "yes man"?

The choice is ours………..

marko   January 19th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

This is who we need someone who took a city that was a disaster and made it one of the best city's in the world and saved it and he is a hero and he can change the world that is a "Positive" change and he will make America a better place as well as the world!!

Teacher   January 18th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Please tell me why my posts are in moderation for days and days.Am I the only one ?

K. Wilkinson   January 18th, 2008 11:00 am ET

Romney is the clear choice between the two. I hope that Florida will do the right thing and cast their vote for Romney!

Romney is obviously the most capable and experienced of the two. He has shown his leadership skills over and over. He succeeds at everything that he touches.

WE NEED ROMNEY IN WASHINGTON!!

Simon Morganstern   January 18th, 2008 10:48 am ET

Mr. Romney has stated many times that he is not a casual member of the Church of Latter Day Saints. He has described himself as "NOT a cafeteria Mormon," meaning he stands by all of the official teachings of his church.

Not only was Romney a dedicated missionary for the church for two years, he has also served in the official capacity of a bishop of the LDS church. He is also directly related to one of the first twelve apostles who founded the church along with the first prophet Mr. Joseph Smith.

Of course, this does not disqualify him for any office, but any voter should consider this information as part of Mr. Romney's platform. This is not a smear, these are simply facts.

I do not believe the official teachings of the LDS church are healthy for America despite Mr. Romney's economic acumen.

Therefore, supporting Mr. Romney in this election would be a mistake in my opinion.

I hope none of this information has offended any reader, and I do apologize to any member of the LDS church who interprets this as an attack. This is not an attack but I do think this information should be more widely known along with Mr. Romney's campaign as I do think it is relevant to voters in this country.

Personally, I will be voting either for Mr. Obama or Mr. McCain.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   January 18th, 2008 9:36 am ET

How well did either one of these men deal with the representative bodies (Rudy with city council and Mitt with Mass legislature)? I have heard that there were some heat fights between Rudy and the city council. I don't know about Mitt, but I suspect that there were some fights. How did these men behave in public about various issues.

charlotte   January 18th, 2008 8:01 am ET

Italian- American Giuliani, supports electronic monitoringof the border, Hummmmm wonder why?

Tom, NY   January 18th, 2008 2:05 am ET

Google "Bernie Kerik"

Rick Anderson   January 17th, 2008 10:44 pm ET

Trying to offer an alternative caption to old man at Guliania rally that says I am for Rudy. Shown on TV was I knew Lincoln etc etc, Mine is "Is This The LIne For The New Valentino Movie?

Chris, Charlotte, NC   January 17th, 2008 9:52 pm ET

Doug, no offense, but you're living in dreamland if you think that Massachusetts will ever vote for a Republican for president. That would be like Utah voting for a Democrat for president.

james   January 17th, 2008 9:19 pm ET

my my, such vitrial !!! until rudy decided on a very unorthodoxed method of campaigning he was easily the front runner !! for 8 years in new york, he brought down crime, abortion rates, taxes and evicted all (porn) from the streets of nyc… he was involved in the worst tragedy in the history of this country and until he was running for president, a majority of the country thought he did a great job, until certain fireman and policeman(all of left-wing descent) started smearing, gee, surprising !! it is very easy to second guess someone ,when those doing the second guessing have no clue as to what actually happened!!! 80% of the uniformed men like giuliani and 20% dont…they have their opinions on the issue and its up to you or i to decide which one we believe>>>if you are a mccain supporter, then you believe the 20%, if you are a giuliani supporter, then you believe the 80%.. i, being neutral, tend to use, as a judge, what the majority of the people thought for the majority of the time during and after his tenure as mayor>>>>spinning makes you dizzy and sheep are followers..so, if you are a spinning sheep, then you tend to follow someone different depending on who speaks to you last…this means that you actually dont have any strong convictions to begin with.. YOU vote for the candidate of your choice because you agree with him on issues (at least thats what i thought)..the excusefor not voting for someone because they have something negative in their past is poppycock…if you want to start digging in closets, then you will stay home on election day….momentum voting is only for the feebleminded (oh,oh,oh i agree with romney on all the issues, but mccain won in a state the size of the louisiana superdome, so i am goin to vote for mccain) !!!! o my goodness !!! the lights arent bright enough, the wattage is dim

steve wilmington   January 17th, 2008 9:05 pm ET

Giuliani loves illegals. Florida Republicans hate illegals. Guiliani will lose.
It is that simple. Just watch.

linda   January 17th, 2008 9:00 pm ET

I can't think of any one that is more presidential than Romney. I agree with Doug that Romney does have the brain, the experience, the leadership, the vision for this country and the moral as well. Other candidates may have one or two of the qualities, but Romney has all of the qualities to be the president. Nevada and south Carolina, be smart, choose Romney.

Wong of Steel   January 17th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

Giuliani rules! Presidente babes! All this fools who decry his strategy would be the same bimbos who said it was impossible to prosecute mobsters with the RICOH statute and impossible to Republcinaize NYC govt. LOL!

Phil San Filippo, San Diego, Ca   January 17th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

You can't stop companies from going overseas to exploit cheap labor unless you take a communist stance as China does with her people…is that what we want? NO! BUT you can limit trade from a country if they don't buy your goods equally. The problem is that the politicians and economists are saying we'll pay MORE for American made goods or for our produce picked by migrant workers or it may affect diplomatic ties…..so what! Think like a Nationalist or risk losing the American identity forever.

David   January 17th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

Secede Florida, Secede!

Duncan, Richmond, VA   January 17th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

Right on 'Surrealist, Fort Myers, FL' I totally agree. Sarbane's Oxley was another il-thought out law with no funding and no thought to the cost to US companies. It ended up costing billions of dollars and causing the problems we now see…

… but, to scrap it at this point would be idiotic.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   January 17th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

I would still like to know who Giuliani's partners are in his private business which he declines to disclose.

Bob   January 17th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Ron Paul suggests that Washington is broken, in large part, because the regulations that get passed are controlled by the industries they affect. That's why small family farms can't compete with giant, federally subsidized corporate ones, and why the only affordable health care is available through HMOs: because those interests fought for those subsidies and tax breaks and continue fighting to keep them and prevent new competition from arising. Dr. Paul suggests that disinvolving Washington from such industries as these, and instead allowing people to decide how to spend their own money, is the correct thing to do. This seems reasonable to me.

Mr. Romney hasn't presented any clear plan as to how he would overcome the power of these lobbies.

As for Mr. Giuliani, his claim is that his proposed tax cuts will stimulate economic growth enough to pay for themselves. That has never happened, and he hasn't presented any compelling reason why it would happen now.

Gorbashov, Long Beach, Ca.   January 17th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

Can anyone believe a word Flip "know one will out pander me" Romney says?

How will he pander to the 'Log Cabin Republicans'?

"I support 'Don't ask, Don't bend over'!

It's ok if you do it in private just don't let me see it……..well….not more than once that is"!

Sincerely,

Mark Foley

Nando, Florida   January 17th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

9-11, 9-11, 9-11, 9-11

j   January 17th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

How can Rudy even afford the ads? Didn't he skip payment to his employees?

william walsh columbus ohio   January 17th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

niether of these two deserve any power position here, they do however deserve each other, alot of talk from two nobodys who dont have a clue on what there involved in, better step back take deep breath and rethink your finances, it would be better to buy that lakefront property than to try and get elected, riding on 911-or your dads hard work will not put you in the whitehouse, you dont have the clout,or the connections to get change, your just another term waiting to end, we have 7 yrs of stupid, we cant do another 4,

Jay   January 17th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

I first met Mitt Romney during the winter 2002 Olympics. His motivation pep talk inspired me to reach higher and to accomplish more. Since then I have learned of his great accomplishments and curricula vitae. He is successful; he knows the economy more than any other candidate out there. He has proven himself a successful leader time and time again.

I vote Mitt with confidence.

Joe Crandall   January 17th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

Rudy is going to win Florida, and will win most of the Feb. 5th states. Then he'll win the nomination, and then the presidency. Here's why:

“Mayor Giuliani Inherited $2.3 Billion Budget Deficit And Turned It Into Multi-Billion Dollar Surplus.” (Steven Lee Myers,“A Deficit Revisited,” The New York Times, 7/31/94.)

NYC’s crime reduction under Giuliani was THREE TO SIX TIMES THE NATIONAL AVERAGE! His policies and steadfast determination, and yes, his love for New York City, turned NYC from a "failed" city into the safest big city in America.

I was in NYC on 9/11 – all I can say is that from great tragedies, sometimes great heroes emerge. Rudy was a hero to all New Yorkers, and the nation, on that day, and in the days that followed. Maybe some have forgotten how important it was to have strong and able leadership on 9/11. I haven't, and I'm sure the majority of Americans haven't forgotten either.

But you know, given what we all know about international Islamic jihad, all I need to know about Rudy is this: in 1995, NYC hosted a big event at Lincoln Center for various foreign dignitaries. Guess who crashed the party? Yasser Arafat. Rudy’s response? HE THREW ARAFAT, THE TERRORIST, OUT THE DOOR! When the city’s liberal elite cried foul, Giuliani replied, "I would not invite Yasser Arafat to anything, anywhere, anytime, anyplace. I don’t forget."

We won't forget either, Rudy. Ever. Now let's go! BE VOCAL, BE LOCAL – let's get Rudy elected!

Miami Dave   January 17th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

And to the democrats who love posting their two cents about the GOP candidates;

Yes a few Neocons have signed on to Rudy's teams, But Rudy is not the only one with the ever so frightful "neocons" on his team. Take a closer look and they're peppered on everyone's campaign team.

Mike Huckabee is the REAL Bush heir, his "compassionate conservatism" threatens to shift constitutional interpretation to bible thumpers while bankrupting the country with increased federal spending under the guise of "following our christian ideals". The Gov't is not a private charity Mike. Not to mention he believes so strongly in the "sanctity of the holy land" (not that I oppose sticking to our alliance w/Israel) that he really WILL send us into WWIII w/Iran.

Miami Dave   January 17th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

This is why I love Rudy, people call him a liberal and yet he always pisses of the liberal media! Rudy will cut the corporate tax rate. Thats the number one reason corporation are fleeing the US like private investors in Venezuela! Corporations are NOT evil, they create the jobs in this country that gives us our prosperity.

Travis   January 17th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

Romney has had a theme of "change" since day one. Nice of you to label it "newly-embraced". Fits right into the media's labeling of him a flip-flopper.

Teacher   January 17th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Hes really more of a Condor than an Hawk.He feeds off the dead.Gouliani that is.lol

Josephine   January 17th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

I wish that "one" ethical reporter would ask Barack Obama what he meant when he called Hillary the "Senator from Punjab and call him on his comment about Hillary only "drinking tea" when she was First Lady. Also, ask him to address the four-page memo in which his campaign decided to make race an issue. Why isn't there balanced reporting on this? He has not explained any of these things and he has not fired anyone. He gave some lame answer Tuesday night about his "Your'e likeable Enough, Hillary statement." His answer did not ring sincere. What is behind the selective reporting on this issue?

I don't blame Bill Clinton for taking on the reporter. All the media want to do is run negative stories about Hillary and give Obama positive reporting. You are doing us a disservice.

Carl,Mesa,AZ.   January 17th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

I agree with Duncan from Richmand, Va.
Until the lobbyist can no longer influnce the people in congress NOTHING WILL CHANGE.
Here is my 2 cents, if the same old politicans corrupt keep getting voted back in , THEN NOTHING WILL EVERY CHANGE.

Lifelong Republican-Accountant   January 17th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

If Rudy is not the nominee then I'm hoping that Bloomberg will mount a third party try with a name Democratic as his VP. Romney is too weird with his religion and the presidency is a 24-7 job.

There will be no way that I vote for a person who wears strange underwear and practices strange rituals in temples. It would be like voting for a conservative gay Republican….no can do.

Kev   January 17th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Here's who NOT to vote for based on their history of taking dirty money:
Hillary Clinton – the dirtiest of the bunch
John McCain – heard of the Keating Five? Google it
Mike Huckabee – Google Huckabee and tobacco money, he must have gotten a lesson from the Clintons when they left the Arkansas governor's mansion.

I can respect Obama though I don't like big government.
I can respect Paul though he has a few "really out there" positions that make me wonder about him
I can respect Romney based on his experience in business and as a GOP governor in a very liberal state.

Jonathan UT   January 17th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

I'm tired of the media reporting that Mitt Romney has spent vast amounts of money and spinning it like a horrible thing. Money comes from supporters and contributors, the fact that a candidate has lots to spend should be a sign of the strength of his candidacy. And of course Mitt has had to outspend, otherwise how would he compete with the name recognition of other candidates?

And didn't Florida's delegates get cut down to 57? Just something to keep in mind.

Nate   January 17th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

If you add the fact that he is supported by the very lobbyists he claims he will "take apart" his campaign line is pretty empty.

Larry Brown   January 17th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

President Bush has done immeasurable damage to this nation with his "open borders/amnesty" immigration policy. Forty percent of all illegal aliens have broken into our country since January, 2001. What a rotten Bush legacy! Now pandering quisling Presidential candidates like McCain, Obama, Clinton, and Edwards want to give legal status or amnesty to 12-20 million for foreigners who have violated our labor, tax, and immigration laws. Amnesty would pour gasoline on a blazing fire and destroy this nation. Amnesty is poison for America and political poison for any politician corrupt or crazy enough to vote for it.

Mario   January 17th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

Romney needs FL, he needs the south period! I hope he doesn't overlook one southern state at all! with out the vote of the south, you go nowhere fast!

Go Mitt!

Surrealist, Fort Myers, FL   January 17th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

I'd like to address just one of Rudy's 12 Piles of Crap….

He wants to improve America's economic comptetiveness in the world… by "revamping/eliminating Sarbane's Oxley…because American businesses are going overseas to avoid the reporting requirements."

Here is why he sucks!!'

His fix…for businesses moving overseas to avoid U.S. financial reporting after…the Enron fiasco. Well this is just one element of his unclear and misguided philosophies on how to fix America.

What the American people REALLY want is:

A President who will (finally) use his power and influence (trade treaties, etc ,etc.) to push the standards of those nations who STILL allow illegal financial reporting—to aspire to a higher standard. This will ensure ethical business practices at home…and abroad, and will level the unfair advantages those nations use to compete with the U.S….

My 2 cents.

Take another look at this wacko….he's GW Bush…just uglier.

cjvwise1   January 17th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Reporters ponder why the citizens of the US do not make platform an important issue. I ask, "Why wound anyone worry about issues, when you cannot believe a word that is uttered? Lack of trust worthiness, dedication to pork and self interests is primary. We cannot worry about issues, just which person is less likely to steal away our lands and freedoms. My son lives in the "Romney manditory insurance state". The bill gives full power to the Insurance Companies to decide that his family of four policy must cost him $1000 per month because "THEY" decide he can afford it.

There is no choice? Where is the logic?

How can anyone afford that assessment on top of house payments, mtg taxes, fuel costs. I think Edwards made a great point in the NV debates when he asked Hillary and Obama what they thought the Insurance companies expected for thier contributions. It shows in Massachusetts and it will be everyones problem is they do not realize what power our representatives are granting to the Insurance companies.

Here in WV they assess road tolls to upkeep the highway. But misappropriation of those funds made it priority for the Dems to increase fuel taxes for road repair the first week they were in power. Why don't they demand repayment of misappropriated funds?

We all know the answer. The only issue on our minds is how do we survive, despite the corruption in our capitals? It seems to me that someone would realize we have just about reached our saturation point for corruption. We are a sinking ship and we are soon going down if someone does not step up to the plate and "DEMAND" accountablility.

When Democrates can look into the camera with a straight face and say, the Billions of dollars in pork attached to a bill is nothing, then complain Social Security is failing, we need a reality check.

And while I am at it! Why does no one ask the Clintons about their Camen Is accounts or their investments in the Domican Republic?

Duncan, Richmond, VA   January 17th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

"I will change Washington. I will take it apart and put it back together. I know how to bring change."

How will he do this? Why do people fall for the same BS statements? The President only has so much power, and tearing apart Washington isn't one of them.

If he just detailed how he would rid Washington of Lobbyist, that would be enough to get some votes.. but he and the others will never do such a thing. Unless you solve the corruption, you can't change anything for the better.

NAFTA   January 17th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

A lot like dueling Banjos.

Barney   January 17th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Bill Clinton along with the Hilary is so stuck on themselves. We HAD SENOUGH of these two shisters. NO, TO CLINTON

Doug   January 17th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

Democrats will win in 2008 if Giuliani is our nominee. Instead, we need a balanced candidate. We need a candidate that unites the Republicans. That candidate must bring the fiscal, security, and social conservatives together. It’s the only way we can win.

Huckabee brings only the social conservatives.

Giuliani brings only the security conservatives.

McCain brings security conservatives. But the Republican base despises him, for good reason.

Mitt Romney can unite all 3 wings of the Republican Party. And he is the smartest candidate.

Please consider Romney’s qualifications. He graduated as Valedictorian from BYU. Romney then graduated in the top 5% from Harvard, earning an MBA with honors. Mitt Romney does not drink, smoke, or swear, He is a wholesome family man who married his high school sweetheart. He is a successful businessman. He founded one of the nation's most successful venture capital and investment companies. They guided many struggling companies to success. He turned around the 2002 Winter Olympic Games that had been sinking with $379 million in debt. The games ended up with $100 million in profit and Romney donated all his salary to charity.

As the successful Governor of Massachusetts, Mitt implemented a health care plan that covers all residents and costs less to the state than before it was started. He would bring that blue Democratic state to the Republicans in the general election. Most of all,

Romney knows how the economy works and how to bring our jobs back! No illegal aliens will be given amnesty with Romney in the White House. They will be sent home.

The Democratic National Committee fears a Mitt Romney nomination. That is why they rally their operatives in the media to pump up his rivals. Don’t fall for it.

I really believe Mitt is the best man for the job!!

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