MANCHESTER – Rudy Giuliani has won the endorsement of the recently re-elected mayor of the state's largest city.

Frank Guinta will formally back his fellow Republican, the former New York City mayor, at a City Hall announcement scheduled for 2:30 p.m. today, and he will be named a state campaign co-chairman. The announcement will be among seven stops Giuliani will make as he kicks off a three-day bus tour of the southern tier of the state.

Guinta confirmed his decision yesterday, saying in an interview that Giuliani has "demonstrated the strong leadership that I feel is necessary to lead this country. I've seen that his approach of cutting taxes and focusing on public safety has done wonders for New York City."

Guinta said that as a fellow mayor, "I can identify with him on those things that are most important to people, making the city safer and stronger and continuing a vibrant economy. That record is what we need in the White House, and he is the individual who is most capable" of winning the general election.

Guinta said that before deciding to endorse Giuliani, he questioned Giuliani about his commitment to New Hampshire and came away convinced Giuliani "very emphatically supports" the state and the first-in-the-nation primary.

"He has spent a considerable amount of time in New Hampshire speaking with as many people as possible," Guinta said. "People who are criticizing him may know that he has the best chance to win in New Hampshire and across the country.

"I am very satisfied with the approach he and his team are making and will continue to make between now and the primary," Guinta said.

Guinta joins Executive Councilor and former Manchester Mayor Ray Wieczorek, state Rep. Steve Stepanek, former U.S. Rep. Bill Zeliff, Ambassador Joseph Petrone and his wife, Augusta, former state House speakers Douglas Scamman and Stewart Lamprey and former state Republican chairs Wayne Semprini and Rhona Charbonneau in backing Guiliani.