George,

During my short time as a voter, I have been very critical of politicians and the campaigns that they run. In the past, candidates from all sides have done enverything imaginable to get votes, insulting my intelligence and humilating themselves in the process. However, upon hearing of Mr. Early's new campaign ad, I could not think of a campaign strategy that more greatly insults the intelligence of his constituents.

It does not surprise me that Rudy is doing his part to drum up support for Republican candidates in the Tri-state Area surrounding New York City. With his celebrity status, it would be only logical for the Republican party to use him to their advantage. A candidate in New Jersey, New York or Connecticut could only benefit from an endorsement by the Mayor of New York at present. Voters in this region would be inclined to consider such an endorsement as credible since the mayor of NYC is recognized by most people in the Tri-state Area and must work closely and consistantly with state and local governments in this region. Thus far he has appeared in ads endorsing NYC mayoral candidate Mike Bloomberg and New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Brett Schundler (the latter is currently 22 points behind in the polls).

But the mayor's endorsement of a candidate in the Virginia governor's race is more than a stretch. How often has the City of New York dealt with the State of Virginia? Outside of negotiationg space in Virginia in which to dump its waste, nothing significant comes to mind (someone correct me if I'm wrong; I'm not a resident of VA). It should be obvious to voters that Mr. Early's ad is a last-minute attempt to use Mayor Giuliani's current celebrity status in hopes to appeal to sympathy that voters may have towards Mr. Giuliani's current situation.

Joseph Cheek (November 4, 2001).