ALBANY, NY (01/30/2008; 1159)(readMedia)-- After receiving a phone call this morning from Mayor Rudy Giuliani about the announcement that he will make later today, I conferred with Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno and Assembly Republican Leader James Tedisco about the critically important race for the Republican presidential nomination. I am grateful that these two great Republican leaders join me in the following announcement.

First and foremost, I want to thank Mayor Giuliani for his incredible devotion and commitment to the Republican Party and our entire nation. As New York’s favorite son he traveled the country communicating his positive vision for the future of our nation and the free world.

We are very proud of Rudy and look forward to the important role he will continue to play in the future of our party, state and nation.

Rudy Giuliani is a true American hero. His record as Mayor of the world’s greatest city and his extraordinary leadership in the wake of the World Trade Center attack are but the first chapters in what will be the long and storied history of his service to his fellow Americans.

I am proud to announce that New York Republicans are endorsing Senator John McCain.

Senator John McCain is a true leader, an extraordinary patriot, and a committed Republican. New York’s Republican Party and John McCain have been good friends over the years. Our state committee was very proud that the Senator served as a keynote speaker at our annual State Dinner last year.

Senator McCain has proven himself to be a leader with the experience necessary to lead our nation during troubled times. His unwavering commitment to winning the war on terror, stimulating the economy, limiting government and ensuring that our families are safe from dangers at home and abroad reflect the needs of New Yorkers and people across the country.

After discussion with the county chairs, local organizations, legislative leadership and many other elected officials, I am honored to declare that New York’s Republican Party is unified behind Senator McCain. As the primary process moves to Super Tuesday and particularly the New York primary, Republican activists across the state will be fully supporting Senator McCain, and working tirelessly to ensure that he is the next President of the United States.

We thank Rudy Giuliani for his efforts and for representing our state and party, as he always has, with courage, dignity and class. We are proud of him and look forward to working with him for many years to come.