Actually Rudy is not a liberal. I think the best thing to call him is an Urban Conservative. He cut taxes and government in NYC. He was a law and order man. He is not pro gay marriage as some say. His immigration stance is for border control. As Mayor he was in favor of "regularizing" illegals. But, then NYC had such a heavy immigration population he could hardly do anything else(I hope he grows on that one). His anti illegal stance is closer to our freeper thinking than W's or McCain. He is in favor of abortion but I will bet you that most of the GOP congressmen are as well. only Rudy admits it. I have no doubt Rudy would seriously help in the North east s far as bringing in GOP congressmen and in other purple and blue areas as well. If Conservatives do not support him they are just hurting themselves. Social Conservatives like yourself who do gripe are probably putting yourself in a strong position should he come in to office. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Rudy has the moderates locked up and he will have to keep social Conservatives like your self happy. This will be opposite to the past where Republican Presidents lock up the Conservatives and then ignore them to placate the moderates or independents.
I think you are a bit off here. Rudy is probably the only GOP candidate who would lose to a Clinton or Obama. Outside of NY, his time has past. The GOP needs someone of higher moral fiber and conviction. Gingrich has potential, but might have too much baggage in the past. Romney cannot run from his liberal past. McCain, as much as the media loves him (and Rudy), could never win a GOP primary. I think Brownback has to be considered the top option. He is socially conservative, but not an abrasive conservative. Once he gets some exposure, people will see this is a guy who is very easy to like. Rudy, particularly being a New Yorker, would not sell in the Red States.