Biography: Rudy Giuliani
Rudy Giuliani is best known for his term as Mayor of New York City from 1994 until 2001. He began his career as New York law clerk and prosecutor, moving on to work in the Reagan and Ford Justice Departments. He returned to New York to serve as the federal US Attorney, where he was criticized for being more aggressive about seeking publicity than strong convictions. After losing his mayoral bid to David Dinkins in 1989, he worked in the private sector, but defeated Dinkins in 1993 and won re-election himself in 1997. In his second term, his ratings plummeted to the point where 60 percent of New Yorkers viewed his job performance unfavorably.
Giuliani received a bump from 9-11 just prior to the end of his term, but New Yorkers’ opinion of him has dropped steadily as facts have emerged over his handling of first responders and air quality both before and after 9-11, and ethical problems during his term as mayor. He briefly ran for Senate in 2000, but withdrew from the race because of health problems. He has lent his name to self-help books, a Houston law and lobbying firm, an investment firm and a security consulting business. Some estimates say he has made more than $11 million per year. During the campaign he has flip-flopped hard to the right on issues where he has been perceived as a moderate, including immigration, gun control and the right to choose, contradicting past statements in an attempt to shore up primary support.
