NEW YORK, NY January 27, 2008 —Now that Democratic voters in South Carolina have had their say, attention is turning to Florida's primary on Tuesday. Former New York Mayor and Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani is banking on heavy support from early voters. Florida's secretary of state says more than 400,000 state residents have already voted, a third of the expected total. WNYC's Andrea Bernstein has more from Orlando.

REPORTER: With five former deputy mayors and Curtis Sliwa gathered to support him, Giuliani made his pitch to a crowd of about 100 at an Orlando hotel. In a short and at times subdued speech, Giuliani said his opponents have gone negative.

GIULIANI: Senator McCain doesn’t believe that Govenror Romney has enough security and safety and national security experience. And Govenror Romney doesn't think that Senator McCain has enough experience on the economy. Well, you know something? I’ve got both!

REPORTER: But so far, Giuliani hasn’t fully convinced Floridians of that. Republicans gathered for a Lincoln Day dinner said they admired the former Mayor’s handling of New York City. But many expressed qualms that his stands on social issues are too liberal.

Reporting from Orlando, Florida, for WNYC, I’m Andrea Bernstein.