Giuliani stresses economy, pre-9/11 work in last day in Iowa

CLIVE, Iowa — Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) emphasized the economy and his record prior to the Sept. 11 attacks on Saturday in a speech to supporters wrapping up his final day here before this state’s caucuses.

 Giuliani said the right taxes must be cut to boost the economy, and he told supporters and a few undecided potential caucus-goers at his Des Moines-area campaign headquarters that his record of keeping people safe throughout his public life is unmatched in the presidential field.

 {mosads}“I’d ask you to take a look at the things I accomplished before Sept. 11,” Giuliani said. “A lot of it had to do with the safety and security of other people. I’ve had that responsibility more than the other candidates.”

 Giuliani is not polling as well in Iowa as he is nationally, and he will instead focus on New Hampshire primary as Iowa’s caucuses approach this Thursday.

 While the national security angle is well-worn territory for Giuliani, he also addressed the emerging issue of the economy. He seemed to rouse the cramped crowd most when he called for a cut in the corporate tax rate.

 He also offered praise for French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who he said is pushing policies that no longer “penalize success.”

 He pointed out that Sarkozy wants to get rid of the current 35-hour workweek in that country. When several attendees sarcastically said, “Good luck,” Giuliani sheepishly conceded: “You can’t achieve everything.”

 Giuliani also struck an optimistic tone when talking about polls that show most Americans think the country is headed in the wrong direction.

 He said things will go in the right direction, and the policies of government will affect how fast that will happen.

 “We go through tough and difficult times as a country, but the overall focus of this country is correct,” he said.