Giuliani campaign workers skip paychecks

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Some employees of U.S. GOP presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani's campaign are forgoing paychecks in January to help the campaign save money.

About a dozen senior campaign staffers are working for free, hoping that the extra cash will bring the former New York mayor a much-needed win in Florida Jan. 29, following disappointing showings in Iowa and New Hampshire, MSNBC reported Friday.

"Several members of our staff wanted to work without pay -- including the campaign manager -- as a way to contribute more to our efforts because they feel so strongly about Rudy's run," a campaign statement said.

"Some other members of our senior staff were asked on a voluntary basis to forgo their paycheck for the month so all of our resources could be targeted toward Florida," the campaign statement said. "That said, our campaign is not -- and has never been -- living hand to mouth."

Giuliani's campaign reported Friday it had $12.7 million in the bank at the end of December, including $7 million that can be spent for the primaries.

"We will have the funds necessary to carry out our campaign plan and deliver the mayor's message in Florida and beyond," said Mike DuHaime, Giuliani's campaign manager.