"I don't buy into the No Congresscritter since 1880..." I would just claim I was the reincarnation of James Madison and get the New Age vote.
"...supporters of Rudy are completely overlooking the history that no mayor has ever been elected without a federal office as well." Actually I have addressed this and it is a concern BUT being mayor of NYC is more difficult and complex than being governor of most states.
The point is executive ability and experience and this trumps the not being a governor. Besides Rudy is a special case who has a tremendous legion of admirers across the nation. It is not composed of people who agree with him on everything but admire him nonetheless.
"It's a fair fight to discuss Hunter's bringing home some defense bacon for contractors in his district, or certain votes of his." As long as these efforts are legal I have NO problem with this. Why shouldn't he make these efforts?
I haven't seen anyone claim Hunter is lacking in the areas of National defense and national security. Actually not many have ideological disputes with him at all.
The pinhead we are discussing did.