Dubuque, IA
Governor Romney was bombarded by questions at a press availability after an Ask Mitt Anything event in Dubuque, IA. Most of the questions involved one topic only: the allegations that Rudy Giuliani took trips to the Hamptons with Judith Nathan, while he was still married to second wife Donna Hanover, and that the NYPD security detail was paid for out of “obscure” city departments to hide the rendezvous.

Romney went out of his way NOT to attack Rudy personally. Obviously a decision that was made within the campaign after the scandal broke. Romney said several times that people should give Giuliani the “benefit of the doubt.” The Iowa frontrunner evaded the many questions tossed his way on the story, “This is something that the mayor is addressing and I think we ought to give him the opportunity to address that as he felt  appropriate. I really don’t have anything to say or add to the discussion other than let’s give him an ample chance to look at the history and explain what he feels is needed.”

Yesterday, Rudy said the release of the story hours before Wednesday’s debate might be a political hit job. I asked the Governor if he thought that could be possible, “I turn to the source of the story and let the source of the story explain how they obtained the information they did. I have no information that would suggest one way or another what the answer is to his charge in that regard.”

Romney also addressed his security when he was Governor and took personal trips, “Security is associated with your travel and protection wherever you are and that aspect is not something that is unusual or inappropriate. You really couldn’t have security that would only be with you at certain times or you would be very much at risk. “

The Romney campaign likes to press that they are taking the high road and avoiding personal attacks, in contrast they say to Wednesday’s debate when Giuliani  accused Romney of having illegal immigrants do gardening work for him.

Romney and Rudy have been attacking each other back and forth over the last week. This scandal would be a way for Romney to sling some mud and question Giuliani’s ethics, but as of now the campaign has decided to keep things clean.