A "Firewall" In Florida For Rudy?

Washingtonpost.com: Powerpoint Presentation Suggests Giuliani Sees Sunshine State As Crucial

(Washingtonpost.com)  This story was written by Chris Cillizza in "The Fix" Politics Blog on washingtonpost.com.

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Florida is the "firewall" in former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani's presidential bid, according to a Powerpoint presentation made to volunteers of his campaign in the Sunshine State and obtained by The Fix.

"Florida is the firewall" proclaims the second slide of the presentation which, by in large, is aimed at outlining the goals of Giuliani's effort in the state -- which is slated to hold a primary on Jan. 29. The slide goes on to highlight two press reports: the first, from the Associated Press, notes that Giuliani has "adopted an unorthodox campaign itinerary....lavishing attention on Florida."; the second, from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, points out that "Giuliani's strategy is to win delegate rich Florida to catapult him." The next slide notes that Giuliani's average lead in national polling is seven points but his average lead in Florida is 14 points.

Tony Carbonetti, a senior adviser to the campaign, dismissed the idea that Giuliani viewed Florida as a make or break moment for his bid. "Florida's the firewall, New Jersey's the firewall, Connecticut's the firewall, New York's the firewall," said Carbonetti. He added that the document was put together by state staff, not national staff, in order to "motivate our volunteers."

Although Giuliani's campaign has made clear that the states set to vote on Feb. 5, 2008, which include New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California and Illinois, are likely to strongly favor their candidate, they insist that the former Mayor is also running hard in traditional early voting states like Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Nonetheless, the slide show does suggest that the Giuliani campaign believes Florida will play a central role in determining the identity of the Republican nominee.

And, while most of the rest of the document is rah-rah sort of stuff, there are some glimpses into Giuliani's broader Florida strategy in the document.

In a slide entitled "Opportunities to get involved", a list of "key coalitions" is provided that includes: "former Yankees" (we assume that means ex-northerners, not the actual Pinstripers), first responders, volunteer firefighters and, The Fix's personal favorite, Italian Americans.

On a slide titled "Our Plan for Victory" there are handwritten notes that read "go after congressional districts" and "Miami -- key city". As we noted in a story for washingtonpost.com's "Fast Track Campaign" series, Florida is one of several large states that splits its delegate apportionment between the winners of each congressional district and the winner of the statewide vote. Win the entire state of Florida and you get 39 total delegates. But, 75 delegates are up for grabs in the congressional districts -- three for each of the 25 seats.

A "volunteer phone script" is also included in the Powerpoint. The first question asks respondents who their first choice is to be president -- giving them five options: Giuliani, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney , Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), former Sen. Fred Thompson (Tenn.), former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.) or "one of the other candidates."

The callers are also asked to rate their level of commitment to a candidate with "zero being completely uncommitted, meaning you could change your mind at any time -- or ten, being extremely committed, and there is no chance you will ever change your mind."

Callers are also asked which candidate they would never support, and to rank economic issues, social issues and "keeping us safe" in order of importance.

[briannorwood]

Does it really matter what or who the GOP nominates in 2008? They have an entire slate of damaged and weak candidates. Rudy with his liberal record and not so keen intellect is a good example.

Whoever wins the GOP nomination will simply be fodder for the grinding mill.

[tcoleman12]

This is absurd. Florida is an obvious "Firewall" state for the candidate of either side.

The blatant stoning of GOP candidates in an attempt to put the front runners in disarray by the liberal media here is transparent. No shaking up of the Dems campaign, but try to move that doosh bag Ron Paul to the front of the GOP ticket.

[thomderr]

How in the world can antone make up their mind at this time? I am a registered Rebublican, but taught to vote for the best person, of whatever party.

I haven''t heard anything, from any party that is substantial enough to vote for them... other than they don''t want the current president - and that is a given.

[jack3213]

Between the WashingtonPost and CBS News I have to say the slanted propaganda is becoming more and more obvious. The fact that they shine a bright light on Hilary and a darker more subdued light on Guiliani is disheartening. I can''t wait until the day comes when they eat crow. Go baby go, slant all you want, I''ll enjoy all the celebration just to see you both fail.

[pepperp1]

What interest group in Fla would be likely to support Rudy of all people? Catholics, nah 3 marriages, girlfriend in the family home evicted, no way he garners the Catholic female vote they unlike born again types are not found of the repeated bad boys and their third wives. Or is it illegals, they can not vote, he did invite them to NY and he did say he would protect them. And the black male voters wrongly purged from the fraud of the 2000 election have supposedly been restored. Duval county may still be an issue for all there 24, 000 supposed minority voters who choose not to select a candidate for President but Griffin is supposedly out of Fla. So who would vote for Rudy in Fla%u2026.