Giuliani speaks at game feed

Rudy Giuliani told more than 1,600 state law enforcement officers Wednesday that even in rural America they play a key role in responding to and preventing terrorist attacks like those of Sept. 11, 2001.

Speaking at an annual charity fundraising dinner, he referred several times to the attacks on New York when he was mayor.

Giuliani said that as president he would make sure the federal government both supports and relies on local and state law enforcement officers because there are 800,000 uniformed officers nationwide but only 12,000 FBI agents.

"You won't have a president that believes the federal government can do it all," he said.

Giuliani told the law enforcement officers they would respond to emergencies the same way New York firefighters, police and port authority officers did, many of whom lost their lives on 9/11.

"You're the same as all those wonderful brave men and women who I worked with in New York because you make exactly the same commitment," he said. "You are putting your life at risk to protect the lives of other people. That is an awesome display of love and bravery."

Since 9/11, Giuliani said the country has "gone from being on defense to being on offense," and that means "trying to anticipate what they're going to do and try to stop them."

All law enforcement — from big city to small town — are part of that, said Giuliani, the first presidential candidate to visit South Dakota this year.

The annual dinner fundraiser started by state Sen. Gene Abdallah, a Republican from Sioux Falls, began as a way to show appreciation for the cooperation of local and state officers. It now raises money for various children's charities.

The menu included prime rib, green beans and coleslaw as well as antelope goulash, pollock and pheasant breast.

South Dakota's primary is scheduled for June 3, well past the point at which the nominees are expected to be known.

Giuliani also touched down in Fargo, N.D., on Wednesday, where he claimed the distinction of being the first GOP presidential hopeful to set foot in that state this year.

He said North Dakota has a big role to play in helping him win the Republican nomination.

Unlike in recent presidential contests, the state will vote early next year, on Feb. 5, the same day more than 20 other states hold their nominating contests.

"To get elected, I need your support. And North Dakota can play a big role," Giuliani told more than 100 people at a fundraiser. "You have what is now considered an early caucus on a very big day.

"Believe me, every one of those votes count," he said. "We know how close the elections become."

The state's Republican and Democratic caucuses are set for Feb. 5. In 2000, the Republican caucus was on Feb. 29, later than most states, and the 2004 event had little drama since President Bush was running for re-election.

About 125 people attended the luncheon, most of whom paid a minimum of $250 a plate for sandwiches and a chance to have their pictures taken with Giuliani.

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Associated Press writer Dave Kolpack in Fargo, N.D., contributed to this report.