By Associated Press
Undated, AL – Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani made his first presidential campaign trip to Alabama Tuesday. Giuliani portrayed himself as a fiscal conservative and aggressive terrorism fighter who has a lot in common with Alabama.
But when asked about an every-day matters like the price of milk and bread Giuliani had trouble. Giuliani said a gallon of milk costs about a dollar 50 and a load of bread is about a dollar 25 or a dollar 30.
The former New York mayor made his first trip to Alabama as New York TV and radio host Don Imus was receiving criticism for derogatory remarks about the Rutgers women's basketball team. Giuliani said he had talked to Imos today and considers his apology sincere. Giuliani said he would appear on Imus' show again.
Giuliani was also asked about the flying of the Confederate flag in some Southern states. The candidate said that should be left to a state-by-state basis.
Giuliani's day in Alabama included fund-raising receptions in Mobile and Montgomery and a speech to the Legislature.
Giuliani compared his tenure as New York mayor to Alabama's Republican governor, Bob Riley. He recounted how both inherited budget deficits, but soon were seeing budget surpluses, tax cuts and lower unemployment.
Giuliani said he knows voters will disagree with some of his positions. But he said voters won't find anyone who is stronger against terrorism or who is more fiscally conservative.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)