Reaganesque Rudy: I'd Win NY, CA, NJ & CT

Saul Anuzis, the best state Republican Party Chairman anywhere in America, posts extensively on RedState about Rudy's visit to Michigan, which apparently raked in quite a bit of dough for the state party, DeVos, and Bouchard. Anuzis talks at length about the Q&A, including what Rudy sees as his strengths and weaknesses, what states he'd win in a general election, the abortion issue, and his support for adoption and opposition to gay marriage. The Chairman calls Rudy "Reaganesque" in his foreign policy and economic views:

Mayor Giuliani was the special guest at Mike Bouchard’s fundraiser held at the Spiro residence. The campaign raised over $60,000 during their luncheon event. The Bouchard campaign continues on a roll, raising money, putting up new ads….and yes, this weekend thousands of lawnsigns are going out statewide.

Yesterday evening the Mayor joined us for a fundraiser for the Michigan Republican Party. Along with Dick DeVos, Mayor Giuliani was the special guest at separate dinners in SE Michigan where we raised around $200,000 for the State Party.

Mayor Giuliani was very engaging. He spoke with conviction and ease. He discussed his vision for America hitting on foreign affairs, the war on terror, crime, taxes, economic affairs and social issues. Several folks brought up the possibility of him running in 2008 for President and he said he was considering his options.

When asked about his strengths and weaknesses going into 2008 he laid out that his polling numbers nationwide have him consistently as one of the top two candidates for the nomination. He felt that in the general election he would have a very good chance of winning New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and California, something few Republicans of late have been able to do. His major weakness would be his ability to get the Republican nomination in Republican primaries across the country. His “moderate” views on social issues which he thinks would be an assets in helping him win the above mentioned states, would also be issues he would have to overcome and have folks understand during the primary. He was VERY conservative on economic, foreign affairs and crime issues…even Reaganesque.

He said he was not for abortion, but would not support moves to make it illegal. He has been a big supporter and activist for adoption, describing the programs he implemented in NY city while Mayor. He understood that constituted a “pro-choice” position. He supported traditional marriage and opposed “gay marriage”, however he felt civil unions were not a problem and that in general there should be an effort made to insure there is no discrimination against “gays” or anyone in society. He was very open and straightforward in his discussion with folks who mostly took the opposite position on these issues. I was very impressed by how he handled himself, the discussion and the issues.

He then brought us back to 2006 and said there is nothing more important than holding on to our Republican majorities in Congress. He specifically talked about the war on terror, early surveillance and the Patriot Act. He passionately defended President Bush’s policies and said we cannot “cut and run” and allow the war on terror to come to our shores. This is a long term battle against extremist who are out to destroy America and our way of life. This will NOT go away, just because we pull out of the Middle East of anywhere else. He was very well versed on what was happening in the war on terror and did a great job making the case on why the President policies are right, although maybe not politically expedient. He said that’s what leadership is all about.

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