As his poll numbers sink, Rudy aims for space

BY MARK HARRINGTON | mark.harrington@newsday.com

9:27 PM EST, January 18, 2008

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With his poll numbers continuing a steady drop, Rudy Giuliani navigated his embattled campaign into the realm of space, vowing to support programs that ultimately "make sure we get to Mars."

Giuliani told a panel of NASA and local officials near the Kennedy Space Center that he was concerned about the lack of funding for the once-ambitious space program. It was the latest in a flurry of make-or-break campaign stops throughout the state in the past two weeks during which he pledged support for such special interests as gun-owner rights, a national catastrophe fund in hurricane-prone areas, and a larger military presence in a Navy port.

"A strong NASA and a revitalized space program will be a priority of a Giuliani administration from day one," he said, as he faces dwindling campaign funds and voter approval ratings.

Giuliani's latest promises came as two new polls showed him continuing to sink nationwide among Republican voters. CNN/Opinion Research and AP/Ipsos polls released Friday both shaved four more points off his one-time lead. Both put him at 14 percent among Republican voters -- in fourth place -- and both showed John McCain ahead of the pack with 29 percent, though his lead was said to have slipped.

Giuliani's campaign downplayed the poll results as he continued an ambitious schedule in advance of Florida's Jan. 29 primary. "We're moving full speed ahead," spokeswoman Maria Comella said. "We always knew it would be competitive."

Giuliani told officials here that continued support for the space program was vital not only for national pride but for economic and national security reasons. "It also includes a future of space tourism, a whole new industry," he said. He told the group he was "fully supportive of a return to the moon, and to make sure we get to Mars."

"He gets my vote," said Mike Gisondi, an engineer for NASA. "There's a lot of support for him out at the space center."

Later, Giuliani offered measured praise for the economic stimulus packaged unveiled by President George W. Bush. "I like the permanent parts -- rather than the one-shot infusions" -- of the plan, he said, noting he has long favored making Bush's tax cuts permanent.

Giuliani unveiled a new TV ad campaign Friday that stresses his get-tough stance on crime and uses images of the Twin Towers, before and after the 9/11 attacks, to illustrate his leadership skills. The ad began airing in Florida a day after former New York City Fire Chief Jim Riches came to Jacksonville to denounce Giuliani's leadership on Sept. 11.

After having the state largely to himself, Giuliani will face a barrage of competitive messages from his Republican rivals beginning this weekend, when they descend on Florida after the South Carolina primary.