THE US:A firefighters' union has accused Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani of exploiting the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks after a supporter asked donors to give $9.11 to the former New York mayor's campaign.
"Asking supporters to donate $9.11 to the Giuliani campaign is nothing short of nauseating," the International Association of Fire Fighters, a union that has long criticised Mr Giuliani, said in a statement. "It is nothing short of disrespectful to the legacy of the thousands of civilians and 343 brave firefighters who died at Ground Zero."
Mr Giuliani's campaign said it knew nothing of the fundraising ploy, which was linked to an event last night in Palo Alto, California.
"These are two volunteers who acted independently of and without the knowledge of the campaign.
"Their decision to ask individuals for that amount was an unfortunate choice," spokeswoman Maria Comella said.