Giuliani Says Viva Florida

In Rudy Giuliani's bid for the White House, Florida and its Hispanic population could play a critical role. His campaign is counting on a strong showing in the state to offset potential earlier losses.

And so today, Giuliani unveiled his "Viva Rudy" coalition in Florida, a group of Spanish-speaking supporters across the Sunshine State.

The list includes local council members, business leaders, academics and state representatives. The idea, aides say, is to build on Giuliani's success in Florida, where he held a 17-point lead in recent polls.

The outreach could also be crucial in the general election if Giuliani wins the nomination. Cuban voters have been a big part of the Republican formula for victory in Florida during the past decade.

This summer, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney established a national Hispanic steering committee, which included several members from Florida.

--Michael D. Shear