Giuliani speaking fees draw scrutiny

[kskiska]

Firm headed by `America's mayor' challenged in court

WASHINGTON -- As Rudolph Giuliani prepares to run for the nation's highest public office based on his image as the heroic take-charge mayor of New York in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, it may be his highly lucrative time in the private sector that invites the most scrutiny.

Since he left office, Giuliani has leveraged his image as "America's mayor" to his decided financial advantage and in ways that belie his man-of-the-people persona.

He commands $100,000 for a speech, not including expenses, which his star-struck clients are happily willing to pay. In one speech last year at Oklahoma State University, Giuliani requested and received travel on a private Gulfstream jet that cost the school $47,000 to operate. His visit essentially wiped out the student speakers annual fund.

Like other high-priced speakers in the private sector, Giuliani routinely travels in style. Besides the Gulfstream, which is a standard perk on the big-time speakers circuit, his contract calls for up to five hotel rooms for his entourage, including his own two-bedroom suite with a preferred balcony view and king-size bed, in the event of an overnight stay.

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http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0702070063feb07,1,7692936.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

[JCMach1]

1. Doesn't take long for the GOP to get the hit squad out

I say bring it on... the nastier the GOP primary the better.

[AndyTiedye]

2. What a Nice Way to Make a Campaign Contribution Without Making a Campaign Contribution

And even corporations can play. And they will pay to play the no-bid contract game in a Guiliani administration.

[ClintonTyree]

3. Yeah...

but how big is his house? That's the REAL question we want to know the answer to. ;)