DODGEVILLE, Wis. -- Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani stumped for President Bush in Dodgeville at Lands' End Monday.

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Giuliani has been crisscrossing the country on behalf of the Republican ticket and it seemed those on both sides of the political aisle were awed by his presence at Lands' End, reported News 3's Joel DeSpain. But it was a partisan crowd, mostly consisting of line workers, DeSpain reported.

"Regardless of our political views, we are so honored to have an American hero with us today," the company's CEO told the crowd.

Political scientists told News 3 the man who helped America cope with 9-11 is here in Wisconsin to keep Kerry from dominating the headlines in this battle ground state.

Yet, Republican handlers tried to ban both reporters from the Wisconsin State Journal and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from doing one-on-one interviews with the Guiliani, DeSpain reported. News 3 invited reporters from both newspapers to join in the availability granted to News 3 staff and one other local TV affiliate.

Guiliani called Kerry's Iraq policy "inconsistent" and said things to build up expectations of Kerry's oratory skills prior to Thursday's debate, News 3 reported.

"One of his greatest strengths is he's a very, very powerful strong skilled debater," Giuliani said.

However, Guiliani's main talking points to News 3 and the audience are leadership and consistency in tough times. He reminded listeners of these potent images at Ground Zero.

"I don't know too many men in politics -- who would have been able to stand up to the way in which they've made fun of him, the way in which they've demeaned him, the way which they've attacked him,' Guiliani said of Bush. " ... the way in which they've ridiculed him and be able to stick with what he knows was right for America."

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After hearing Giuliani speak, Lands' End employee Laurie Montague said she is leaning for Bush. Montague said Giuliani's speech was " incredible. I'm so moved. My husband is a fireman, so I'm very touched."

Montague and Theresa Bahl told News 3 that Giuliani may have earned their votes for Bush.

"I was undecided, but I definitely would lean toward Bush now at this point," Bahl said.

"Yes, I think he might have changed my vote very truly," Montague said.

As to why some in the print press would be kept from one-on-one interviews, there was no clear answer, DeSpain reported.

"Some of my colleagues who work for the papers speculated there may be a belief that broadcast reporters ask less probing questions," DeSpain reported.

"Giuliani -- it should be noted -- was more than happy to talk with all journalists."

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You can watch all four debates on WISC-TV3. Coverage on all nights will be from 8-10 PM, with the debate running approximately from 8-9:30 PM with a half-hour of analysis from 9:30-10 PM.

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