Giuliani Reneges on Iowa Family. McCain Apologizes For It.

ABC News’ Jake Tapper reports: John McCain phoned a family in Olin, Iowa, to apologize on behalf of "all politicians" after Rudy Giuliani abruptly cancelled a campaign event at the family’s farm.

As reported in this morning’s Des Moines register, Giuliani cancelled a May 4 campaign event at an Iowa farm because the hosts were not rich enough, according to the family pegged to welcome him to their home in Olin, Iowa.  The event was intended to coincide with a Giuliani speech on the estate tax, an issue oft-perceived as pertaining to the wealthy.  VonSprecken says the campaign backed out because the event with non-millionaires would no longer fit the bill. 

“They checked our assets, and since we’re not millionaires, they canceled," said Deborah VonSprecken, who along with her husband Jerry, owns the 80-acre farm that was once being feverishly prepped in expectation of a visit.

Giuliani did deliver an address that day urging permanent repeal of the federal estate tax.  The couple insists they told the Giuliani campaign staff from the beginning, "We’re just poor farmers."

While it appears likely Giuliani has lost a supporter, John McCain may have picked one up.  TalkingPointMemo’s Greg Sargent adds: McCain even offered to visit the family.  "He was really sweet. I recognized his voice from TV. He was very, very polite, funny" VonSprecken said.