In this Aug. 30, 2004, file photo, former New York Mayor Ed Koch speaks at the first day of the Republican National Convention in New York. Koch, the combative politician who rescued the city from near-financial ruin during three City Hall terms, has died at age 88. Spokesman George Arzt says Koch died this morning of congestive heart failure. Obituary information here. (AP Photo/Joe Cavaretta, File)