Giuliani to quit, will back McCain (Roundup)

By Rich Bowden, M&C Staff Writer Jan 30, 2008, 11:19 GMT

Former New York City mayor and Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani gets a kiss from his wife Judith (L) after talking to to supporters and staff at the Portofino Bay Hotel,Orlando, Florida, USA, on 29 January 2008. Giuliani came into the ballroom to thank supporters for they votes after losing the Florida Republican Primary and finishing third behind Arizona Senator John McCain and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. EPA/GARY I ROTHSTEIN

(M&C) - Former mayor of New York and presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani is set to quit the race for the Republican nomination and endorse John McCain, press reports say. Meanwhile Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut has said he will not consider running as Mr McCain's running mate.

Mr Giuliani, who is battling out third place with Mike Huckabee in today's Florida primary, will step down and formally endorse Mr McCain as soon as tomorrow said CNN quoting GOP sources.

McCain won today's primary with 36 percent over nearest rival Mitt Romney with 31 percent with Giuliani picking up a disappointing 15 percent of the vote.

The man who became famous as "America's mayor" following the 9/11 attacks threw all his campaign money and time into Florida, virtually ignoring the previous state-by-state primaries and caucuses in a much-criticised strategy.

Though stopping short of announcing his withdrawal from the race Tuesday night, he gave every indication that his campaign was over.

Speaking to supporters at the Portofino Bay hotel ballroom following the result he said: "The responsibility of leadership doesn't end with a single campaign, it goes on and you continue to fight for it."

"Win or lose," he said, "our work is not done."

The Fox News network has predicted the former NY mayor will withdraw as soon as tomorrow. Insiders have said the Giuliani camp was looking for a graceful exit lest he be embarrassed in next week's Super Tuesday primaries, including the poll in his own home state of New York.

Update: Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut has ruled out being Mr McCain's running mate should he win the Republican nomination.

Sen. Lieberman told the Associated Press in an interview that he would turn down any offer.

"No, I'd tell him, 'Thanks, John, I've been there, I've done that. You can find much better.'"