Karl Rove is the bogeyman for everything it seems. The fact is, Rudy put the guy up and Rudy made the mistake because he clearly knew of the "baggage" himself. Rudy really stepped in doo-doo and although it didn't totally ruin his chances for 2008 it has made it that one more "ethical" misstep will do him in as it will then be played as a pattern.
If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend this year's Barneycam..