ATLANTA - Former Augusta Mayor Bob Young joined several Georgia Republican leaders Thursday in announcing support for former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Four members of the state House GOP leadership and two former chairmen of the state Republican Party were in the group.

House Majority Whip Barry Fleming, of Harlem, sang Mr. Giuliani's praises during a conference call.

"He is, in my opinion, the best leader running for president right now," he said. "In the time we're in, that's what we need."

The endorsements cheered Mr. Giuliani's supporters.

"This is a nucleus that we have that we feel extremely proud of," Campaign Manager Michael DuHaime said during a conference call with reporters. House Speaker Glenn Richardson, R-Hiram, will lead the campaign in Georgia.

"(Mr. Giuliani) is a strong, decisive leader for a very stormy world at a very difficult time," Mr. Richardson said.

Other endorsements came from House Majority Caucus Chairman Jay Roberts, R-Ocilla; Rep. Jeff May, R-Monroe; Rep. David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge; Sen. Ronnie Chance, R-Tyrone; and former party chairmen Rusty Paul and Bob Shaw.

Outgoing party chairman Alec Poitevint backs U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

House Speaker Pro Tem Mark Burkhalter, R-Duluth, and three of the state's congressmen have endorsed former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.