Reports: Rudy Giuliani strongly considering 2012 bid

WASHINGTON – Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani is "close" to announcing another run for the White House in 2012, says Rep. Peter King (R-NY), a friend of his.

The New York congressman toldreporters at a dinner that Giuliani "is very close to saying he's going to run," according to several media reports. "If he were to make the decision today, he would run."

Giuliani's Manhattan-based consulting firm did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Even among his supporters and allies, Giuliani has rarely if ever been mentioned as a 2012 hopeful, and his lack of displayed interest has led to him being excluded from polling. If he were to run, the lack of buzz that has so far surrounded his candidacy would make it difficult for him to compete with better-hyped rivals.

The ex-mayor "has been talking to people on the ground in New Hampshire," King said at the dinner, as quoted by National Journal's James Barnes.

According to The Washington Examiner's Byron York, King added that Giuliani "has been quietly lining up support and exploring strategy" and has "examined the mistakes his campaign made in '08."

Giuliani, who helmed New York City during the attacks of September 11, 2001, led the field in pre-primary polls in 2008, but his campaign collapsed after a poor showing in the early states.