http://www.nydailynews.com/…

Rudy Giuliani has released a new Web video (note, not a TV ad) that touts his support for a so-called “federal backstop” national catastrophe fund to assure the private insurance industry that the government will assist with post-disaster rebuilding and (theoretrically) drive rates down in high-risk areas.

This is a big issue in Florida, where Giuliani has staked the future of his presidential campaign and is striving to address bread-and-butter local issues that also include Everglades preservation and space program investment.

The video starts with the statement: “Some say we don’t need a national catastrophe fund” - a dig at John McCain, who said in no uncertain terms that he doesn’t support creation of such a fund - followed by: “Others say they haven’t looked at it yet, and want to sit down with insurance companies first” - a dig at Mitt Romney, who said he wants to “investigate options for expanding the private insurance market” before signing on to the idea espoused by Giuliani (not to mention Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, whose endorsement is much sought after).

The kicker: “Only one Republican candidate has proven experience dealing with disaster. Only one will fight for a national catastrophe fund. And only one has a plan to lower rates and fix the insurance mess. Tested in crisis. Ready to lead. Rudy Giuliani. The only one for Florida.”

Romney pulled out a win in Michigan at least partially because he promised to spend government funds (aka the tax money you “give” them) to re-energize the auto industry. Now Giuliani is offering to subsidize those in Florida who don’t want to be bothered with the high insurance costs because they live in a dangerous area. I really hope he loses Florida. Both McCain and Romney are ahead of him now and he’s supposedly spent millions down there and has made it a make or break situation. If he fails there he will be out of cash and out of gas. He’ll probably have to drop out. Huckabee is losing steam too and could be dropping out if he doesn’t make some money soon. Unfortunately Romney is self funding and McCain has been bringing in the cash now that he’s in front. Gathering over a million dollars on Tuesday along with an endorsement by Henry Kissinger. Funny… Paul gets $1.8+ million on Monday and all he gets is a blog post while the McCain million gets an actual story.

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