GOP power couple to serve as NH co-chairs for Giuliani

Rudy Giuliani and his wife Judith water a "Giuliani tree" at the Petrone residence

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- One of New Hampshire's most powerful Republican couples, and certainly one of it's biggest financial backers, endorsed Rudy Giuliani's presidential campaign and will serve as honorary state campaign co-chairs, the Globe has learned.

Former Ambassador Joseph and Augusta Petrone, of Dublin, met privately with Giuliani Sunday at their home.

Joe served as an Army oficer in three wars and was an aide to both Presidents Eisenhower and Reagan. He also served in key campaign roles with Reagan and George W. Bush. From 1987 to 1989 he served as the United States Permanent Representative to the European Office of the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva

The couple divides their time between farms in New Hampshire and Iowa.

But their endorsement did come with a condition. Giuliani had to agree to visit them either as the Republican nominee or as president when he can plant a tree on their property. The Petrone’s property includes a tree that was planted by President William Howard Taft, who visited the house twice during his administration. Taft’s Treasury Secretary, Franklin MacVeagh, built the house, which also was visited by the British Ambassador, Lord Brice, in the years preceding World War I, the campaign said.