Giuliani files papers to explore presidential run

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani filed papers to set up a presidential exploratory committee Monday afternoon, just days after Senator John McCain’s advisers said they were doing the same thing.

Organizationally, Giuliani is very far behind his rivals in states like Iowa and New Hampshire, but few rival him when it comes to initial name recognition due to his leadership following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Giuliani last visited New Hampshire two weeks ago to campaign for Republican candidates. His first event, sponsored by VictoryNH, a grassroots group, had a standing room only audience, but his later events were not as well attended. After those events he headed off to Iowa where he campaigned with Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Nussle.