Just as I would caution the "purists" who ONLY want to elect a 1965-era Goldwater that there are few of those out there, I would caution you that the right guy (or gal) can still win an election on extremely conservative principles. BUT, the key is to make it sound "compassionate" and not harsh so the Dems can't label you as a racist/bigot/homophobe who hates old people.
Do I have a candidate in mind? Not really, but J.C. Watts is pretty conservative, and I think he would win a Senate seat; John Kyl of AZ is about as conservative as you get and he wins overwhelmingly.
I have said many times that I think Alan Keyes problem was that he, for whatever reason, refused to "work his way up" and pay his dues---like Forbes (who had money and Keyes didn't), he tried to jump in at the top. Keyes could likely win a House seat in the right district. But that would take more time than I think he wants to give it.
Thanks for your thoughtful reply. IIRC J.C. Watts popped off about affimative action being a good thing. I saw Alan a couple of times last week on cable - and he can't control his egotism - its so obvious and inappropriate considering how little he's done and how little he's accomplished - a black conservative now is "born on third base." I saw why so many on FR criticize him. IMO times aren't nearly bad enough for enough of the "40% in the middle" to be peeled off by a Goldwater conservative. But if what I believe is going to happen, happens, enough people are gonna love conservatism. FReegards