“I believe I’m as conservative as anyone.” – GOP presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani

Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani defended his conservative record and went on the offensive against potential Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton in a brief press conference Thursday at Milwaukee’s University Club.

Addressing the media after a fundraising event at the Club, Giuliani confronted more questions concerning just how conservative a candidate he is.

Giuliani chafed at the notion that he is not conservative enough to win the Republican nomination; pointing to his record as mayor of New York City as proof that he is as conservative as his fellow competitors.

“I believe I’m as conservative as anyone,” said Giuliani. “I’m not conservative on every issue, nobody is. We still need to win this election,” he added, hinting that his more moderate conservatism may be key in the general election.

Giuliani clearly targeted Clinton in his address, singling her out on several occasions. Current polls have them on a collision course in the presidential race.

He chided her for her “ambiguity on Iran,” stating that she refused to address the issue during a recent appearance with Tim Russert. Giuliani was also critical of the Democrats' fiscal policies in general, accusing them of proposing to “spend huge amounts of money and creating new bureaucracies.”

He favors a more fiscally conservative approach, and vowed to fight for a private economy.

The GOP front-runner believes that the race will come down to two main issues, the war on terror and the economy.

Giuliani was also critical of the recent Republican strategy of campaigning in 30-35 states and avoiding traditionally democratic strongholds.

“I believe I am the one candidate that can run a 50-state campaign. I may not win every state, but I can win some of them, and then we have a Republican president, instead of Hillary Clinton,” said Giuliani.

Giuliani was also pleased with former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson’s endorsement.

“I’m very honored to have gotten Tommy Thompson’s nomination last week,” said Giuliani. “He has been a trend-setter for other governors, and for me as well.”

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