politics

A $9.11-per-person fundraiser for Rudy Giuliani being put on by a California supporter generated a blizzard of criticism on Tuesday.

The International Association of Fire Fighters, no friend of Giuliani's, accused him of exploiting the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and showing disrespect to those who died at ground zero. The campaign of Democratic presidential candidate Chris Dodd called the theme "unconscionable, shameless and sickening." Another Democrat, Bill Richardson, said the event was "overdoing it."

Giuliani spokeswoman Maria Comella said the $9.11 idea was selected without the campaign's knowledge and was "an unfortunate choice."

Giuliani supporter Abraham Sofaer plans to hold the fundraiser today at his Palo Alto, Calif., home as Giuliani backers across the country are participating in the campaign's "National House Party Night."

Missed opportunity?

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said that top-tier Republican presidential candidates are making a mistake by skipping a forum focused on issues of importance to black voters.

In an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America," he urged the leading candidates to reconsider their decision not to participate in a forum Thursday at Baltimore's Morgan State University to be moderated by talk show host Tavis Smiley and aired by PBS.

"I'm puzzled by their decision. I can't speak for them. I think it's a mistake. I wish they would change their minds -- they still have a few days -- and I wish they would in fact go to the debate Thursday night," said Gingrich, who is considering entering the GOP race.

The top four GOP candidates -- Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson, John McCain and Mitt Romney -- declined to participate, citing scheduling conflicts and fundraising pressures.

UNION HOLDS OFF

The Service Employees International Union has postponed its presidential endorsement until next month, underscoring divisions within the powerful labor group over support for Hillary Rodham Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama.

The SEIU's executive board has decided to wait until October before deciding which candidate to endorse, spokeswoman Stephanie Mueller said Tuesday in Chicago.

"The executive board has decided to go back to the local members and ask their opinions before making a decision," she said.

ASSOCIATED PRESS