Spin Cycle

New York’s top Republican, Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, is sticking with Rudy Giuliani even as the former mayor’s poll numbers continue to sink.

"There is concern, yeah, because his numbers are softer than they had been a month ago – and in Florida, especially, and here in New York State," Bruno said this afternoon leaving a luncheon in Albany with manufacturers. "So, it’s a matter of concern. But you know what, Rudy has a record. He’s been a leader. He’s been elected in one of the toughest cities in the world…He managed that city very well. He stood up with the terrorist attacks and led the state and the country really forward. And people are going to recognize that."

Asked about the prospect of Giuliani dropping out before New York’s Feb. 5 primary, Bruno downplayed that possibility.

"Now if he’s up there in the top three and close, then I’m sure he’s going to bounce into Feb. 5 and he’s going to stay there," Bruno said.

The senator also refused to discuss whom the state GOP would back should Giuliani not be the standard bearer in November.

"We’re not going to second guess," Bruno said. "Right now, we’re with Rudy Giuliani and we’re supporting him, and we’ll take a look at what happens tomorrow [in Florida primary] and see what his decisions are. But we are very fortunate in the Republican side that we have several viable candidates. I think any one of them would make an excellent president of the United States."

James T. Madore