[padre35]

4 I would add intelligence and ability to think on their feet.
5 Can appeal to the Common Man.
6 Executive ability seems to be a necessity if our history is considered. It is rare that any one not elected as an executive wins the office.
7 Can appeal to more than conservatives. Reagan is the chief example here.

Right now I see no one able to beat Guiliani given those characteristics. He is not a conservative on all issues but is pre-eminent in regards to the other requirements. And, for the most important issues: economy, War on Terror and Court appointments he will do.

Two strikes against Rudy off of the start:

1. He cannot carry NY against Hilliary
2. No one trusts him with the base issues God,Guns and Gays.

He also would have a tough time winning South Carolina, Iowa? Maybe. New Hampshire? Yes, I think he would win in NH.

[justshutupandtakeit]

I would not count NY as lost to Hillary.

Nor do I believe Rudy would carry every state's primary. However, I don't see anyone beating him in the Midwest, East, West and parts of the South. Particularly the candidates which have been mentioned. I would not declare any state impossible for him to win particularly since there will probably be at least three "conservatives" splitting the vote.