Born in Brooklyn, the tough ex-prosecutor takes controversy wherever he goes.

His two terms leading the largest city in the nation are marked by advances in livability, reforming welfare and cutting crime. But he's also taken shots for giving short shrift to civil liberties and taking vengeance on political enemies.

Giuliani, a graduate of a New York City law school, was appointed U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York in 1983 and won a reputation for prosecuting mobsters as well as Wall Street crooks.

He went on to run for mayor in 1989, but lost to David Dinkins. Four years later, in a runoff, he bested Dinkins and then went on to win a second term.

Giuliani was in the waning days of his mayoralty on Sept. 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center was attacked.

He's won widespread praise for his aggressive response -- dubbed "America's Mayor" -- but he's also been riticized for not preparing the city for such an attack.

After leaving office, he formed Giluiani Partners, a consulting company. He's also toured the country, helping Republican candidates and fielding questions about running for president.

After much speculation, Giuliani announced his bid in February 2007 and has been among the front runners.

Giuliani's harshly criticized Democrats on the Iraq War and has backed the president on the conflict.

He also has been a leader in early polls, despite concerns over whether a pro-choice candidate with two ex-wives can win a GOP primary.

He's called for returning spending discipline to Washington and emphasizes his tax cutting record in New York.

Biography: Quad-City Times | Photo: AP

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