$9.11 fundraiser for Giuliani draws attack

NEW YORK, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Supporters of Rudy Giuliani, looking to boost the GOP U.S. presidential hopeful's bid with a $9.11-a-person fundraiser, instead drew heat to his campaign.

Harold Schaitberger, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, said tying the donation amount to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks "is nothing short of disrespectful to the legacy of the thousands of civilians and 343 brave firefighters who died at Ground Zero," WABC-TV in New York reported.

Two Democratic contenders, Sen. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut and Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico, also weighed in.

"Exploiting the Sept. 11 attacks for fundraising purposes is absolutely unconscionable, shameless and sickening," Dodd said in a statement on his campaign Website, adding he thinks the former New York mayor should reject or return any money raised.

Richardson told WABC the fundraiser was "overdoing it" and "we shouldn't use a tragedy for politics."

A Giuliani spokeswoman called the donation amount "an unfortunate choice" made without the campaign's knowledge. Giuliani supporter Abraham Sofaer, who is to hold the fundraiser at his California home Wednesday, said "some young people" came up with the idea.

"I'm just providing support for (Giuliani)," he said. "He's an old friend of mine."