Hugo Chávez Is Tied to Giuliani Firm

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Rudolph W. Giuliani’s law firm has lobbied for years on behalf of an oil company controlled by the Venezuelan president, Hugo Chávez, a strident critic of President Bush and American-style capitalism.

Bracewell & Giuliani, the firm based in Houston that Mr. Giuliani joined as a name partner two years ago, handles lobbying in the Texas capital for the Citgo Petroleum Corporation of Houston. Citgo is the American subsidiary of Petróleos de Venezuela, the state-owned oil company that Mr. Chávez controls.

Mr. Giuliani’s duties at his law firm do not include lobbying. But the financial relationship with a company affiliated with one of the most outspoken critics of the United States potentially exposes Mr. Giuliani to new scrutiny as he campaigns to become the Republican nominee for president in 2008.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/15/us/politics/15rudy.html?ex=1331611200&en=f353cc52bacee82c&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

[tblue]

1. Another nail in the coffin of Rude-y's quest for the nomination. Hugo is *'s mortal enemy and the

neocon cabal don't like no fraternizing with the enemy.