Giuliani moves closer to a White House bid

WASHINGTON, Feb 6 (Reuters) Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, a Republican presidential contender acclaimed for his leadership after the September 11 attacks, took a step closer to an official White House run yesterday.

He filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission establishing a committee to explore a presidential bid, which allows him to raise money, travel and hire staff.

''We still have to formally announce it and do a few more things but this is about as close as you're gonna get,'' Giuliani said on Fox TV. ''We did everything you have to do, I guess, legally to do it, but still have to do a formal announcement.

The new paperwork removed the phrase ''testing the waters'' from the statement of candidacy Giuliani originally filed in November.

Giuliani said the move put him in the same position as his Republican rivals Arizona Sen. John McCain and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

''If I were going to bet like you bet on the Super Bowl ...

I would bet that we are going ahead,'' he told reporters in New York, before declining to give an announcement date except to say it would be ''sooner rather than later.'' The move could calm growing doubts among Republicans about whether he is serious about a White House run in 2008. While Giuliani leads eight other Republican in many national polls, there has been growing speculation he might not run.

He faces an uphill battle winning over conservatives who wield considerable influence in Republican primaries because of his stance on some social issues, including his support for gay rights and abortion rights.

Giuliani became one of the party's most popular figures for his tough leadership after Sept. 11. He has been loyal to President George W Bush, backing his plan to send more troops to Iraq.

Giuliani, who earned millions as a consultant and motivational speaker since leaving office and was popular on the Republican fund-raising circuit in 2006, has said he is evaluating his finances and support for a White House bid.

REUTERS RL VV0834