Giuliani Expects Key Mass. GOP Endorsements

Massachusetts Republicans may spoil Mitt Romney’s party this week. Ex-NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani is set to score a coup with endorsements from 2 and perhaps a third of the 5 Bay State Republican state senators. Credit for the Giuliani coup goes to former governor Paul Cellucci, who’s been working to snag members of the tiny Republican caucus.

Sources said that Senate minority leader Richard Tiseito endorse Giuliani. Tisei, a Wakefield Republican, is in his first term as leader. Insiders think the only way to increase their numbers (or avoid obliteration) in 2008 is with a moderate Republican. There are 24 Republicans among the 200 Massachusetts House and Senate members.

Romney returns to Massachusetts on Thursday for Boston fund-rasier to cap a tour of early primary states that began today. The Senate GOP trio may make their announcement before that. The nineteen Republican members of the House signed a letter of support for Romney, but that too is starting to crack. State Representative Paul Loscocco jumped to McCain. Other defections among the House members are expected.

Accustomed to being ignored during Romney’s four years as governor, Republican legislators are taking considerable delight in the attention lavished on them by the three top-tier presidential contenders. [KEVIN F. RENNIE]