Giuliani Hires Official From Bush 2004 Team

Taking another step toward a fullfledged presidential run, Mayor Giuliani has hired a top official from President Bush's successful 2004 re-election campaign to serve as the chief financial officer of his exploratory committee.

Sandra Pack will leave her Bush administration post as assistant Treasury secretary for management and join Mr. Giuliani's team on January 1, a top aide to the former mayor, Anthony Carbonetti, said yesterday. "Vastly talented, she's a seasoned pro bringing with her years of political experience," Mr. Carbonetti said, citing Ms. Pack's work on the Bush re-election campaign.

A former executive for Ernst & Young, Ms. Pack has served in key presidential campaign positions for Senators Dole and Gramm.

With the 2008 presidential campaign season in its earliest stages, Mr. Giuliani and other Republican contenders are jockeying for top political operatives and trying to line up the support of deep-pocketed donors. On the GOP side, Mr. Giuliani, Senator McCain of Arizona, and Senator Brownback of Kansas have all established exploratory committees to test the waters. Governor Pataki and Governor Romney of Massachusetts also may run, but they have not formed committees.

Mr. Giuliani is scheduled to appear at a firehouse in Greenwich Village today to help launch a nationwide effort honoring firefighters.