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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.

"Rudy, particularly being a New Yorker, would not sell in the Red States."

Thank you for your thoughtful reply! I think Rudy would sell in the red states. I admit his marital past is a problem. But, Rudy is a genuine urban conservative outside of the "social Issues". I think Rudy is tough and smart and very good at the game of statecraft,and is respected for it. I think everyone admires the way he took an ungovernable city and ran it well. I think a New yorker cannot win if he runs as a Dem. But, I think he can run as a GOP'er. It was just like Carter running as a Dem genuinely held Dem votes. But, he nearly lost NYC. I think there would be some fall off but he would be a very good alternative to a Lib-Dem.
I noticed you mentioned Newt. Newt is a good person who can think out of the box and present a big picture view of things. I agree with you that this man has glaring faults to go with his towering strengths. The only one like him in the vision department is Rudy. I think America craves transformative leadership who is basically conservative who can think out of the box. I know I do. I agree with you Sam Brownback is a good man but think his social side will scare many persons outside of the Small town and Southern base. Although his phlantrophy will ease it somewhat. I think we need to repair the damage done to our suburban and Coastal strengths. I just do not see a strong Social Conservative like Brownback doing it. I know some polls have already been taken showing that Rudy would lose some from Bush's total in the "red states". But, not enough to lose them. He more than made up for it by gaining in the swing states and Dem states. Imagine a Republican winning New Jersey, New York and Connecticut(just like Reagan did).