I seriously doubt that having a liberal Republican as our presidential nominee will have a "coattail effect" on congressional races. If anything, it will cause some conservatives to stay at home, which will result in fewer votes for congressional Republicans. A liberal Republican as our presidential nominee will also cause more RINOs to go and vote, and in most cases such RINOs will vote for the Democrat congressional candidate rather than for a conservative Republican.
BTW, of the "big three," only Giuliani is clearly a liberal RINO. Romney used to take liberal positions on which he has backed away of late, so we don't know if he'll attract RINO voters and drive away conservatives. As for McCain, he's a "conservative RINO," someone who appears to be hell-bent on hurting the GOP in order to promote himself yet who takes conservative positions on nearly all issues.
Rudy might produce a coattail effect in some New England races. It's the South and the rural Midwest where he could cause some to not vote.
Ping!
Okay you Rudy Lovers, care to share your comments in regards to post 8. I want to examine a potential Rudy candidacy from all angles.
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.