FALMOUTH — Former New York City Mayor and GOP presidential hopeful Rudolph Giuliani joined Republican U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins at the Falmouth Country Club on Sept. 9 to show support for Dean Scontras, the Republican candidate in Maine’s 1st Congressional District.

In addition to speaking in support of Scontras, Giuliani discussed the Sept. 11 anniversary and the controversy surrounding the Florida pastor who threatened to burn Korans unless an Islamic center slated for construction near Ground Zero of the Sept. 11 attacks was canceled.

“I hope the Imam shows the same kind of concern for sensitivity (as the Florida pastor),” Giuliani said.

Giuliani said he thought Scontras has a very good chance of unseating incumbent Rep. Chellie Pingree, a Democrat.

“He’s running against someone who’s a carbon copy of (Speaker of the House) Nancy Pelosi,” Giuliani said. “He has a very good understanding of limited government and keeping taxes low.”

Scontras spoke about scaling back regulations that he believes prevent businesses from opening in Maine and in America.

“When America’s economy is having to struggle with emerging economies because of regulations, we’re in trouble,” Scontras said.

During a speech to several hundred people who paid to attend the event, Collins spoke about Scontras’ background as an entrepreneur and criticized what she called the Obama administration’s “anti-business policies.”

During her speech, Snowe noted the Greek heritage she shares with Scontras and spoke about the need for a Republican majority on Capitol Hill. She also spoke out in favor of Republican gubernatorial candidate Paul LePage of Waterville.

“The Republicans want to grow the economy, the Democrats want to grow the government,” Snowe said.

Pingree’s campaign office responded to requests for comment on the event and Giuliani’s comments with a prepared statement.

“This election is about the Maine people and the Maine values that Chellie represents,” campaign manager Lisa Prosienski said. “For the last two years, Chellie has been fighting for Maine families in this tough economy – from supporting the small businesses in Maine that create jobs to getting veterans the benefits they deserve.”

Emily Parkhurst can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 125 or eparkhurst@theforecaster.net

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Dean Scontras, right, the Republican candidate in Maine’s 1st Congressional District, answers questions with former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani during a campaign event Thursday, Sept. 9, at the Falmouth Country Club.

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