Spin Cycle

Sure to make him even more popular with his fellow pols:

The Times reports this morning that Giuliani has taken a novel approach to helping other Republicans raise money this election: If he headlines their fundraisers, he wants a cut of the take.

The approach is designed to help him retire a $3.6 million debt left over from his presidential run, including $500,000 he loaned his campaign. But:

"Mr. Giuliani’s move has irritated some of his Republican colleagues, who say that the arrangement would put an additional strain on candidates who in many cases are struggling to raise money. Some say rather than making a generous gesture, the former mayor is seeking to tap local candidates’ donors."

And:

“ 'In a year when our candidates are struggling to raise money, this is just another burden,' said a leading Republican Party strategist, who was briefed about the mayor’s request. 'This is not about helping the party. This is about helping Rudy Giuliani.' ”

That's a surprise?

Why did they think he became a high-priced corporate consultant/influence peddler after being mayor? Why did they think he turned himself into a PR gimmick for wonderful people like the makers of Oxycontin and pharmaceutical makers who didn't want old people to be able to get cheaper drugs from Canada? Why did they think he bowed out of meetings of the Baker/Hamilton Commission on Iraq to go make six-figure up-with-corporations speeches?

Feathering the Rudy nest has always been a bigger post-mayoral preoccupation than party and public service.