Giuliani campaigns for Whitman in Los Angeles

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California Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman takes the stage during her primary election night party at the Hilton Hotel in Universal City, California July 8, 2010.

Can Rudy Giuliani help Meg Whitman become California's next governor?

The former New York City mayor and 2008 presidential candidate appeared with his fellow Republican in Los Angeles Sunday, where they spoke to supporters in the San Fernando Valley.

Giuliani said Meg Whitman will cut spending and lower taxes in Sacramento to get California's economy moving.

Whitman is in a tight race with Democrat Jerry Brown, and the former New York City mayor and 2008 Republican presidential candidate told cheering Whitman supporters in Los Angeles that electing Brown would be a step backward.

Brown has a political career that reaches back decades, including two terms as governor.

Giuliani called Whitman — his fellow Republican — "the right person at the right time."

Giuliani endorsed Whitman last year. But he wasn't Whitman's favorite in the presidential race: She was an economic adviser to candidate Mitt Romney and, later, a co-chairman for GOP nominee John McCain's campaign.