Former NYC Mayor Ed Koch addresses GOP

NEW YORK, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch -- a Democrat -- Monday told delegates to the 2004 Republican National Convention why he supports President Bush.

"I know what you're thinking," Koch said. "What's Ed Koch doing at the Republican convention? Me. A Democratic district leader in Greenwich Village, Democratic city councilman, Democratic congressman, Democratic mayor. Why am I here?

"I'm voting for the re-election of President George W. Bush," Koch said before launching once again into his signature, "How'm I doin'" line, which for years proved to be a winner with New York City voters.

Koch told the delegates he worked to help the Republicans have a successful convention because of the benefits it would bring to the city of New York.

He has said previously that whatever differences he may have with the White House on domestic policy, the strong leadership shown by Bush in the war on terror is reason enough to support his re-election to a second term.