Romney says Kerik indictment is disappointing

By Michael Levenson, Globe Staff

Mitt Romney isn't directly criticizing GOP rival Rudy Giuliani over today's indictment of the long-time ally Giuliani appointed as New York's police commissioner.

But he and his campaign are saying the charges against Bernard Kerik are troubling, and are highlighting Romney's calls for higher ethical standards in Washington.

"The indictment of Bernard Kerik is obviously very sad and disappointing," Romney told reporters this afternoon in Atkinson, N.H. "You expect people who assume the public trust to abide by it and to live by high standards of ethical conduct. These allegations are very disturbing and very sad. And if they're correct, he has failed to live up to the standards we would expect."

Romney declined to comment on what the indictment meant of Giuliani himself, saying he would let people "closer to the political process do that."

His campaign issued a compendium of speeches and news articles on Romney's call for higher ethical standards.

Kerik pleaded not guilty today to charges of tax fraud, obstruction of justice, and lying to the White House.

"I'm disappointed that the government has brought forward this case," Kerik said in brief remarks on the steps of the federal courthouse in White Plains, N.Y. "This is a battle that I am going to fight."

The indictment is likely to pose new challenges for Giuliani, who was Kerik's mentor. His campaign has not issued a statement today on the issue.