Giuliani still pondering White House run

Giuliani still pondering White House run Mon May 1, 5:15 PM ET



Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, visiting the state that traditionally kicks off the White House race, said on Monday he was still considering a 2008 presidential run but was in no rush to decide.

Giuliani, in Iowa to raise money for Republicans and to make a paid appearance at a motivational seminar, said he was gathering information on a possible presidential bid.

"It's something that I'm thinking about," Giuliani said. "It's something I haven't ruled out and it's something that really depends on where things are approximately a year from now."

Public opinion polls consistently show Giuliani and Arizona Sen. John McCain (news, bio, voting record) near the top of a crowded field of possible Republican candidates to succeed President George W. Bush in 2008.

Giuliani gained national acclaim for his leadership in New York after the September 11 attacks, but his support of gay rights and abortion rights could spark opposition from conservatives who hold considerable influence in the Republican caucuses and primaries.

Iowa, which holds the nominating caucuses that kick off the presidential race, is a favorite stopping point for potential White House candidates testing their support and message ahead of a decision on whether to run.

Giuliani said the only way to find out if he could earn conservative support for a White House bid was to run.

"No one ever knows who or what the electorate wants until you offer yourself as a candidate," he said.

"We've had lots of surprises either way. We've had people elected where you never thought they'd get elected. We've had frontrunners who have fallen way behind. But the only way you find out is if you run."