Giuliani's sacrifice play a likely 'boost' for McCain

In the end, Rudy Giuliani's endorsement of John McCain came as no surprise to anyone who understood a friendship rooted in baseball or their shared political traits as presidential contenders.

The former mayor of New York City often said last year that, if he weren't running, Republican rival McCain would have his support. Giuliani made it official Wednesday, ending his campaign and backing McCain after a third-place finish in Florida, the state Giuliani said would be the "gateway" for his presidential bid.

"He is an American hero, and America needs heroes in the White House," said Giuliani, standing beside McCain at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library here. "He has honor and integrity."

McCain said he was "deeply honored" for the support and praised Giuliani for his leadership after 9/11, calling him a "national hero" in that "defining moment."

The endorsement should give a "substantial boost" to McCain, GOP pollster Whit Ayres said. He noted both men attract less-conservative voters concerned about the war on terrorism and national security.

Giuliani said the men have been friends for years, explaining he refused to cut a negative TV ad about McCain in 2000 and how they ended up attending baseball's 2001 World Series together. (Giuliani rooted for the New York Yankees; McCain for the eventual winner, the Arizona Diamondbacks.)

Noting the coast-to-coast battle coming up for the GOP nomination, Giuliani said he will campaign for his friend in New York, New Jersey and other states voting Tuesday.

The endorsement also ended Giuliani's unconventional campaign, one that topped most national polls last year, but faded after people started voting for candidates early this month. He earned only one convention delegate.

Republican strategist Rich Galen, who used to work for former contender Fred Thompson, said Giuliani's appeal on national-security issues faded when the economy started slumping. "The rationale for his candidacy evaporated," he said.

Giuliani spent at least $42 million, according to campaign-finance reports, burning through nearly $31 million by Sept. 30. Although he had the most cash on hand going into the last three months of 2007 — about $12 million — he was so low on funds by the time primaries began that his top campaign aides went without pay this month.