Rudy Giuliani may support domestic partnerships and a woman's right to choose an abortion.

He may have gone through some ugly and public divorces.

But the former New York City mayor and the leading Republican candidate for president brushed off what could be major obstacles to gaining the votes of Utahns on Friday.

Instead, he repeatedly quoted President Reagan and touted his own leadership after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks just moments before entering a swank, mammoth home nestled in the foothills above Salt Lake City for a private fundraiser.

"There are a few things we will disagree on," he told a group of reporters who asked about his views on social issues. And when it comes to his personal life, Giuliani said: "Whatever was going on, I was able to concentrate on my work."

The former mayor called himself "the most fiscally conservative candidate" who has "the most experience with terrorism."

But Giuliani did not want to distance himself from his fellow Republicans on what could be the biggest issue of the 2008 presidential race: the Iraq war.

"I don't know if my view is different from the other Republican candidates," he said. Iraq "is part of the overall war on terror."

He did repeatedly criticize congressional Democrats who recently pushed through a funding bill that also called for a pullout of U.S. combat troops. He called the move "myopic," "irresponsible" and a "timetable for surrender."

Giuliani posed for a few photos and signed a few autographs before walking up the long driveway to the home of former Salt Lake County Councilman Steve Harmsen, who lives just below the Block U.

He then greeted about 100 of Utah's conservatives who paid $2,300 for a chance to meet and be photographed with him.

Giuliani's campaign hoped to raise about $200,000 before jetting to Florida today for three more fundraisers.

"This is the beginning of a marathon," he said.

A marathon that will span at least the next 11 months before a massive presidential primary that is expected to determine who will become the major party candidates.

Friday's event showed that Giuliani can attract wealthy donors in a state expected to back Mitt Romney, a Mormon who led the 2002 Winter Olympics. But the question remains: Would Utah Republicans vote for him come Feb. 5?

Pollsters, political scientists and Utah politicos alike see Giuliani as an underdog in the Utah primary. They describe him as a person with unique charisma and a strong record on security issues who will be hampered by his private life and more liberal views on hot-button issues.

"He is a more moderate Republican," said Giuliani supporter Thomas Wright, who lost his bid for a seat in Utah's Legislature in November. "He has broader appeal for the general electorate by being more socially liberal while also being a fiscal conservative."

But even Wright said this contrast may hurt Giuliani among Utah Republicans.

"When Republicans go to choose their candidate, maybe that is a reason not to pick him," Wright said.

That may make Utah a good state to raise some funds, but a difficult one for Giuliani to secure primary voters, according to Jeff Hartley, executive director of the Utah Republican Party.

Hartley attended Giuliani's fundraiser Friday, saying he is "a big fan." He also participated in the fundraisers for Romney and Arizona Sen. John McCain, both of whom visited Utah in February.

Pollster Dan Jones said many Americans appear to be more concerned about the divisiveness in Washington, D.C., than social issues.

"They want someone who is going to unite America," he said. "Giuliani seems to have a personality that can bring people together."

But Giuliani is not above criticism. He may have gained national prominence with his handling of the World Trade Center attacks, but even some families of victims are upset with the former mayor, saying he failed to provide emergency responders with the proper radios.

And a New York Times article Thursday indicated that grand jury testimony shows Giuliani was briefed on ties between his former corrections commissioner and the mob before Giuliani named him as the city's police commissioner.

Jones said a majority of Utahns at this point are backing Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts. Still, he said Giuliani is a favorite of some state Republican leaders and major opinion molders.

So are the other leading Republican candidates. McCain has the support of Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, while Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch and just about every Republican state legislator back Romney.

All three candidates have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars during Utah fundraisers. Romney is believed to have received the most. No Democratic candidate has visited the state yet.

"I didn't even know that Utah had that kind of money," Jones said.

Utah is historically a difficult state to raise money in because members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are expected to donate 10 percent of what they earn to the church.

But Romney, Giuliani and McCain are rewriting the rules.

Harley said: "Frankly, these presidential candidates are raising money at levels unheard of."

mcanham@sltrib.com

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* THE ASSOCIATED PRESS contributed to this article.

* Where: At the home of former Salt Lake County Council member Steve Harmsen

* When: Two hours Friday evening

* Cost: $2,300 per person

* Attendance: About

* Where Giuliani goes next: He has three fundraisers in Florida today

Source: Giuliani supporters