Giuliani meets his southern base

Giuliani builds his web of supporters by lending his support to Ralph "in Abramoff's pocket" Reed.

For Mr. Giuliani, who is considering a run for the presidency in 2008, the political foray into the South allowed him to pocket a campaign chit from Mr. Reed that could be useful if the former mayor tries to build a national coalition that includes religious-minded Republicans, who are a core part of Mr. Reed's voter base.

Mr. Giuliani was warmly received at a Reed fund-raiser here, though advisers to Mr. Reed noted that most of the donors were politically moderate business people, and that a truer test of Mr. Giuliani's appeal among more conservative Southerners would come in rural counties.

Oh, don't worry about the rural types. Giuliani can always remind them that he was once married to his second cousin. They'll think he's one of their own.