Rudy's Dep. Campaign Manager Now Working As A Volunteer

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Rudy Giuliani's deputy campaign manager for operations is no longer working full-time for the campaign, NBC News/National Journal has learned.

Veteran Republican operative Rick Ahearn is now working as a volunteer, part-time consultant for the campaign, officials said. He is helping with logistical debate preparation but is not involved in day-to-day event planning.

Ahearn, who worked advance for Ronald Reagan the day he was shot in Washington, D.C. in 1981, had been running Giuliani's advance team. Sources said Ahearn stopped working full-time after the New Hampshire primaries, at the time senior campaign aides were asked to work without pay.

"Rick Ahearn continues to be a valued member of the Giuliani team," campaign spokeswoman Maria Comella said. "He is working on a volunteer basis because of his commitments to the Mayor and this campaign."

An e-mail request to Ahearn for comment was not returned.

Sources also said the campaign has been doing less advance work in recent weeks in Florida, because of budget cuts and a growing number of smaller rallies throughout the state.

(NBC/NJ's MATTHEW BERGER)