What dues has Rudy paid? Serving as mayor of city that is more messed up than the country is? I don't want the US to be an image of NYC.
FT has the same amount of experience ( more than others ) as most other candidates in the race.
If you have been to NYC before and after Rufy was mayor, then you would realize that he did a lot to improve that city. Certainly he demonstrated leadership skills, as did Reagan.
Fred Thompson has demonstrated skills as a lawyer and actor. He has never held executive office -- not Mayor, not Governor, not CEO, nothing.
Much as I dislike Bubba and Jimmah, they at least had experience as Governors managing a state. Senators only run their voices and a small personal staff -- and usually they have office managers to do the administrative work. That's why the current crop of candidates in both parties is IMHO weak -- too many blowhards, not enough actual demonstrated leadership.
Now maybe FT would be a great administrator and leader. But, to date, he hasn't had that experience. Rudy and Mitt Romney have had it.
Newt also gets credit, as his positions as minority leader and Speaker are definitely leadership positions.