Right Wing Is Leaning Rudy-ward

Religious cons sacrifice hot-button issues on altar of electability
By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff
Posted May 29, 2007 4:33 AM CDT
Right Wing Is Leaning Rudy-ward
Presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani speaks in New York, Monday, May 21, 2007. Giuliani was there to receive the endorsement of local New York politicians for his 2008 presidential run. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)   (Associated Press)

The religious right is lining up behind Rudy Giuliani, Pew tells the Politico, despite the candidate's support for gay rights and abortion. Analysis of recent polls suggests that pragmatic social conservatives are so frightened of a Democrat in the White House they're passing over harder-line hopefuls like McCain, and buying Guiliani's more-electable-than-thou pitch.

Giuliani wins 30% of the social conservative bloc, to McCain's 22% and Romney's 8% in  recent polls. Conservatives have been compromising on principles, one pollster observes, "since the days of Ronald Reagan." Elsewhere in the Rudysphere: The Times reports that the politesse-challenged mayor is adopting a softer tone with voters. (More Rudy Giuliani stories.)

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