Giuliani: 'Shocked' by former chairman's cocaine charges
Giuliani, with wife Judith, campaigned in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Friday.
WASHINGTON (CNN) - In his first campaign visit to South Carolina since his state chairman resigned amid cocaine charges, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani said Friday he was "shocked" when he learned of the news.
"It is a terrible thing when something like that happens to someone that is going to have to answer to it, but it is one of those things that is highly personal and all you can do is pray and hope that his rehabilitation works out and whatever debt to society he pays, he will be able to put it behind him," Giuliani said of his former South Carolina chairman, Thomas Ravenel, while campaigning in Myrtle Beach.
Ravenel, also the former South Carolina Treasurer, resigned both of his posts last month after he was indicted on cocaine distribution charges.
"I think everyone knows that in families - no matter how big they are - tragedies happen," the GOP presidential hopeful added. "Bad things happen.”
Ravenel's father, Arthur Ravenel Jr., a former U.S. congressman, continues to serve as a South Carolina adviser to Giuliani.
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Its interesting how he puts that its terrible "when something like that happens to someone that is going to have to answer to it ..". Are we to assume that cocaine distribution (alledgedly), is not so terrible when you don't get caught or have to answer to it. Typical, all is well as long as you don't get caught.
I love watching this guy squirm. He's really awful. Southerners are not going to fall for some turkey from NYC with a lisp who wants to confiscate guns and put cameras on every streetcorner. Gimme a break.
I'm sure, with Ravenel's connections, there's a pardon waiting for him lest he receive a sentence considered "too severe" for a Republican to serve.
I wonder if Rudy will say such kind words about Al Gore's boy?
Gimme a break. Everything shocks him, like the response from Congressman Paul in the second republican debate? Come on Rudy, wise up.
He should be shocked that the American people have not been told the story of how the New York firefighters think he is a scumbag.
Look it up people. Search words "Rudy Guiliani firefighters union letter".
He's SCUM!
Bret from Atlanta...that is why Republican's will be giving up that big chair for the next 8 years.
The Lieutenant Governor of SC was "very surprised" about Ravenel as Rudy was "shocked". It seems that if the LG was best friends with Ravenel, as he was described, he might have been a little more abreast of the situation and not shocked as Rudy.
ravenel's indictment was in the pipeline for over a year. anybody who says they didn't see it coming is either lying or stupid, neither of which are presidential qualities.