Peter King: Rudy Giuliani strongly considering presidential run

New York Republican Rep. Peter King told CBS News Tuesday that he "would not be at all surprised" if former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani entered the 2012 presidential race.

"In fact, I would say if he had to make the decision today, it would be yes," King told CBS News Congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes.

King, a longtime friend of Giuliani, was elaborating on comments he made at a dinner with reporters in Washington Monday evening, where he said Giuliani is "very close to saying he's going to run." Asked when he had spoken to Giuliani about a run, King responded "several months ago."

He added, however, that he had more recently been speaking to Giuliani's close associates, who have indicated that Giuliani was serious about seeking the White House.

In his ill-fated 2008 White House run, Giuliani focused on winning the Florida primary, a strategy that failed after other candidates generated momentum in states that came earlier on the primary calendar. King said Giuliani would focus on New Hampshire if he runs in 2012, and that he would have less overhead and fewer advisers. In 2008, he said, those advisers were "preventing Rudy from being Rudy." 

"It would be a totally different campaign than last time," King said.

King said Giuliani had been talking to "key people," particularly in New Hampshire, about a possible run. He indicated that Giuliani would soon again travel to New Hampshire, where the first-in-the-nation primary is held after the Iowa caucuses.

"It was the old Rudy that cleaned up New York, it was the old Rudy that's tough, and that's what we need," King said. "We're not here to elect Mr. Personality, Mr. Congeniality, we're here to elect a tough leader, and I think Rudy Giuliani fits that bill."

King said he and Giuliani first discussed a presidential run in September or October, and that Giuliani had been "rethinking the campaign he had last time which did not work out well."

Republicans have indicated dissatisfaction with their current crop of declared and likely presidential candidates, a field that includes Newt Gingrich, Tim Pawlenty, Jon Huntsman and Mitt Romney. While some have been pushing prominent Republicans like Chris Christie, Paul Ryan and Jeb Bush to enter the race, there has been little focus on Giuliani, and it's unclear whether the former mayor has much institutional or grassroots support for a second run at the White House.

Giuliani, who became known as "America's mayor" for his response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, served in office from 1994-2001. He considered gubernatorial and Senate runs in 2010 but ultimately decided not to enter either race. He currently is partner in the law firm Bracewell & Giuliani and is active in the security consulting firm Giuliani Partners LLC.

Giuliani is not the only Republican considering a surprise presidential run. Little-known Michigan Rep. Thaddeus McCotter told Politico Monday that he may enter the race within the next two weeks in part because Republicans are dissatisfied with the current crop of candidates.

[velma179]

Oh please run Rudy, run.

I am so disappointed that it is unlikely Sarah Palin will eschew her big bucks and run. I have been looking forward to the late night comedians having a lot of material come GOP primary time.

C'mon Rudy, run. Newtie need a break from the loser seat.

[guyfrompa46]

Rudy, Please run.. Get Obama the hell out of there..

[JayAdler1]

I grew up in New York's Rudy Guiliani and stood with the whole world as he exhibited the height of bravery and cool calculation during the horrific event. There is no doubt in any voter's mind that Rudy can handle the Presidency. The question is that he is viewed as a heavy conservative cop candidate and believe it or not I know he could win if times were worse then thy are now. When we need a guy that tough, he will be called first. Right now a Mitt Romney conservative and demeanor matches the times.

[velma179]

I agree Romney is a better candidate, but you neglect Rudy has some serious personal baggage he'd have to get past. Having your own kids despise you is not really presidential, ya' know!

[chonder2]

Just when the circus clowns start to thin out...

Another one appears. GEEZ!!

[aintfakin]

911 happened on their watch
yet
the republicans are still trying to extract more mileage out of it.
spinmasters indeed. Of course it helps when half the voters have been dumbed down with fear and the bible

[stuwerb]

I have some sympathy for Giuliani -- looks like his ego is getting the best of him again. What's he gonna scare us with this time? Bin Laden rising from the dead?

[brian_norwood]

There must be real money in running for president. Why else would these guys that have absolutely no chance of winning throw their hats in...Cain, Bachmann, Santorum, ad noseum.

Something about this process seems fishy.

[stevex47]

He saw the suckers who fell for chump and now rudy wants to cash in too for a few weeks.

tea birthers will fall for it, and send him their cash. It'll be funny to watch again.

tea birthers just need someone who can disprove Obama's birth certificate. chump said he had "all this evidence", was he a liar too?

[formrusmcsgt]

Rudy's like Newt.... get's the new woman all grooved in good before bothering to tell the old one she's history.

He and Newt both hold themselves out as electable nonetheless.

Maybe they think repubs have given up the family values thing because those of these two suck big time.

[imnho]

He announced the divorce from his wife without even telling his wife that he wanted a divorce. That was a public embarssment to the person who should have been his primary concern. His best friend had some serious organized crime times. The fact that he would run means he thinks that most of the electorate is uncommonly idiotic. I will not vote for someone who makes the assumption that I am stupid.