Former FEMA chief will advise Giuliani

Rudy Giuliani, who came to national prominence after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, continues to build his presidential bid around the political persona he developed in its aftermath.

His campaign announced this morning that Joe Allbaugh, the nation's top emergency management official during the attacks, will serve as senior advisor.

"Rudy Giuliani is the only candidate who will keep America on offense in the terrorists' war on us," Allbaugh said in a statement provided by the Giuliani campaign. "The leadership he showed after 9/11 was an inspiration not only to New Yorkers but to the country. He knows what it takes to keep America safe, and as president, he will ensure that our country never goes back on defense in this war."

Allbaugh stepped down as director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in March 2003 and now runs his own consulting company. He is also on the board of the National Rifle Association, a group with which Giuliani has been at odds for his gun control measures while New York's mayor.

"Joe and I worked closely together in the aftermath of 9/11 to ensure that everything possible was being done to help victims and their families," Giuliani said in the statement. "He has significant experience in emergency management and I will look to him for sound advice and expertise."