Giuliani tests '08 waters with fund-raiser

NEW YORK — Rudolph W. Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, on Monday set up a Web site and held his first fund-raiser for the presidential exploratory committee he created last month.

The Web site, joinrudy2008.com, emphasizes three themes — fighting crime, cutting taxes and taking fiscal responsibility — that would presumably form the core of a campaign platform should Giuliani decide to run for the Republican Party's nomination. The fund-raiser, a two-hour, $2,100-a-person cocktail reception at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square, was Giuliani's first attempt to directly test his ability to persuade donors to contribute to an effort that could cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

Speaking to reporters after the fund-raiser, Giuliani said he was still assessing his prospects and added, "This is a good start." Asked about Sen. John McCain, an Arizona Republican who is considering a presidential run, Giuliani called him "a fine man" and "a good friend."

"We'll have a large number of people who support us, and then we'll figure out who has a better chance," Giuliani said.

He also praised Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, another possible Republican contender. "We're going to have to figure out which one of us can make the best contribution, who has the talent, experience and background to guide this country two years from now," Giuliani said.

Those attending the fund-raiser included Anthony H. Gioia, a former U.S. ambassador to Malta; Mel M. Immergut, chairman of the law firm Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy; and Marvin R. Shanken, publisher of Cigar Aficionado. Paul E. Singer, a hedge fund manager; and James S. Turley, chairman of the accounting firm Ernst & Young also attended.

Another attendee, Guy P. Wyser-Pratte, who was a prominent takeover investor in the 1980s, said in a telephone interview on Monday: "I supported Rudy when he first ran for mayor in 1989 and I got a lot of scorn for it. And I will always support Rudy. I think he protected New York from floating into the East River and he will certainly give Madame Queen for a Day a run for her money."

(Wyser-Pratte said he was referring to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, a Democrat who is also weighing a White House run.)

Several of those at the fundraiser have worked for Giuliani.

William J. Diamond, a former commissioner of citywide administrative services, said, "Once you've been exposed to Rudy's leadership, you can never forget the talent he has in inspiring people."