Rebuffing Romney, Cellucci supports Giuliani for president

Former Massachusetts governor Paul Cellucci told the Globe yesterday that he is supporting former New York City mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani for president over Mitt Romney -- even though Romney called Cellucci and asked for his endorsement in a meeting two weeks ago.

Cellucci called Romney, who served one term as Massachusetts governor , a "capable leader" and said there was no snub intended. "This is not anti-Mitt. This is pro-Rudy," Cellucci said in an interview.

Nonetheless, Giuliani's staff, which is preparing for the former mayor's debut on the New Hampshire campaign trail tonight, was quick to tout the endorsement as a sign of Romney's weakness and Giuliani's growing appeal.

Some recent polls suggest that Romney, Giuliani, and Senator John McCain of Arizona are locked in a three-way battle for the Republican nomination, and the New Hampshire primary could be critical for all three: for McCain, because of heightened expectations stemming from his big victory in the 2000 primary; for Romney, because of the familiarity factor of having governed next door in Massachusetts; and for the more liberal Giuliani, because he is counting on a surge of support among independents, who can choose to vote in the Republican race in New Hampshire.

The first presidential primary votes take place in a year, though candidates are already launching exploratory committees. Giuliani is scheduled to make campaign stops in New Hampshire tonight and tomorrow.

Cellucci, who served as Massachusetts governor from 1997 to 2001 -- leaving the State House to become President Bush's ambassador to Canada less than two years before Romney took office -- said he was "impressed with the leadership skills" Giuliani demonstrated in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center. Cellucci also touted Giuliani's success in reducing New York City's crime rate.

"The times we live in demand people with those leadership capabilities," said Cellucci.

Cellucci has not been given a formal role in Giuliani's campaign. He says he will give advice, help raise money, and speak on Giuliani's behalf.

Romney spokesman Kevin Madden declined to comment on what may have led Cellucci to choose Giuliani over Romney.

"People make decisions on who they support, and we won't speculate why," said Madden.