Giuliani Raising Questions

According to CNN, Republican Presidential nominee Rudy Giuliaini has called a story raising questions about the accounting of his security expenses while he was major of New York. Last night Politico.com reported that city records show Giuliani billed New York City government offices for at least 30,000 dollars in security and travel costs on trips to the Hamptons in his last year of office!!!

Giuliani told CNN that he "thought the story was presented like a hit job." This would happen, right now. Perfect timing. The story broke two hours before his Republican debate! Although Giuliani denied doing anything wrong, he told CNN the expenses were perfectly appropriate.

I'm not really sure what side to take here. I'm not sure if he didn't think he would get caught and just developed a safety plan to counter the argument if in fact it ever did get leaked. However, because he was covered by police 24 hours a day since he essentially had various death threats, there could be some truth behind actually needing the money.

A former New York major and Giuliani campaign advisor Joe Lhota told CNN that the security costs "were allocated throughout the various divisions within the mayor's office." If this is true it lends evidence to the fact that maybe that money was legitimate and maybe he wasn't just hoarding it for himself?! However, it is a little discerning how Giuliani's office would not comment. I don't know if thats fishy or normal?

The New York Times lead infact reported how one political site actually ACCUSED "Giuliani of billing tens of thousands of dollars in travel expenses to little known city agencies as he was beginning an extramarital affair."

It is unsure whether these allocated travel expenses were intended to conceal expenses associated with his new relationship or for some accounting purpose. I guess it makes a big difference huh? Although it is ironic his "lady friend" did have a condominium in Long Island, because the documents say American Express Bills were used for hotel, gas and other costs in that area.

Interesting. I dont know what to believe.

This says a lot. Because it shows how the campaign trail has grown fierce and brutal. Anything and everything is getting reported to try to sway voters. It goes without saying that voters of course should have all this information, it is just funny to see the shift. We are no longer talking about policies and abortion issues. We are now digging for dirt.

In the coming weeks I'm curious because this story could develop further, and other dirty facts might arise on other candidates too. You gotta love the turmoil and gossip!! Whether its true or not, its definitely something to take into consideration when entering the polls next year!!


http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/29/nyregion/29campaign.html?em&ex=1196485200&en=7645a09e7c9032c9&ei=5087%0A