Giuliani Endorses Romney, Citing Cancer Surgery

Former New York City mayor and 2008 presidential candidate Rudolph Giuliani endorsed Mitt Romney on Monday, saying, “He's proven he's the most effective Republican,” at the same time saying Romney's likability problems are overblown.

“I think that Mitt has won fair and square,” he said on Fox News’s Fox & Friends. "He's proven he's the most effective Republican.” Giuliani added: “He's got the resume and the background for the job.”

When asked about some polls showing voters are concerned about a candidate’s "likability," Giuliani referred to his own battle with cancer.

“This reminds me of going to a surgeon,” he said. “If I've got a terrible cancer or something to be operated on -- when I had to be operated on for prostate cancer – I didn't go to the nicest doctor, I went to the best doctor. The guy could have a great personality and tell great jokes and put the knife in the wrong way. On the other hand, if he's a great doctor, that’s my guy. Now Mitt Romney, this is overdone. He's a nice guy and just as personable.”

The Romney campaign also released a statement on Monday from Giuliani endorsing his candidacy.