The problem with this and all like statements is that it leads one to believe that the GOP leadership selects the candidate. It doesn't. The candidate is chosen by Republican voters at the polls. I have no idea who's going to actually be the guy, but if it is Guiliani it will be because Republican voters chose him in a primary election, not because some shadowy leadership gave him the nod.
The problem is candidates pass themselves off as conservatives wile they campaign but do a 180 and betray their constituents once they reach office. If they choose Guiliani it is because they have the mentality it is ok to sacrifice principles simply for the sake of winning. That is why the GOP finds itself in such a mess.
No, but the party can and will pick who it throws its support behind. For example, one of my senators is Liddy Dole. The decision to run her for Senate wasn't made in Raleigh...it was made in Washington.