Update on Guiliani around town...

From reporter Howard Wilkinson, now posted on Enquirer.Com:

Presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani said today in Cincinnati that it's his image as a fighter against terrorism that will get him elected in 2008.

He didn't think his previously stated positions in favor of abortion rights and legal protections for gays and lesbians would hurt him with conservative Republicans.

"I have consistently argued that I'd like to see far fewer abortions and whole lot more adoptions take place, not just in New York but all across the country,'' he said.

He emphasized his role as mayor of New York when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

"Voters have to decide what is most important,'' he said. "And I think they will decide that being on the offense against Islamic terrorism is by far the most important issue. And nobody has more experience with that than I do.''

Giuliani, speaking during a brief news conference at Great American Ball Park, cited a recent Quinnipiac University survey that showed him nearly even with New York Sen. Hillary Clinton among Ohio voters.

He said it was evidence that he is the "only Republican who has a chance of winning Ohio. I think that's the case in a whole lot of states -- Connecticut, New Jersey, Michigan, all over the country. I am the most electable.''

Giuliani began his day at a fundraiser at Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse restaurant on Seventh Street downtown. Ruby set up a valet parking operation on Seventh Street, charging those who are paying $2,300 for a private roundtable discussion with Giuliani an additional $7 to park their cars.

Giuliani followed the high-roller affair with a general reception at Ruby's, where his supporters paid $250 each.He came to the ballpark in the fifth inning to sit with Reds owner Bob Castellini.

"Let's keep this brief,'' he told reporters. "I want to see some of the game.''After the game, there will be a "Rally with Rudy" event at The Pub at Rookwood Mews on Madison Road, where he is expected to address a crowd of supporters.

By 7 p.m., Giuliani will be hooking up with conservative radio talk-show host Sean Hannity and a potential rival for the GOP nomination, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, at Kings Island. Hannity will also be broadcasting his national radio show live from Kings Island from 2 to 5 p.m.

Both Giuliani and Gingrich - who may enter the presidential contest later this year - will be speaking at Hannity's "Freedom Concert,'' a touring show that features country music stars Montgomery Gentry, LeAnn Rimes and Lee Greenwood.

Hannity's tour is raising money for a scholarship fund for the children of military service men and women killed or seriously wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.