President 2012: Is There Room in the Race for Rudy Giuliani?

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani dispatched a key emissary to New Hampshire on Wednesday to gauge their interest in his possible presidential bid.

One of the mayor’s closest political advisers, Jake Menges, hosted private meetings with a host of key Republicans in the state, including Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas, likely gubernatorial candidate Kevin Smith, Congressman Charlie Bass and GOP activist Stephen Talarico, owner of Manchester Harley-Davidson.

“Jake said to me, ‘Just keep your powder dry for another few weeks,'” Talarico told The Associated Press.

Giuliani has visited the first-in-the-nation primary state four times already this year and advisers have maintained regular contact with potential staffers in the event he decides to seek the presidency. During his last trip in July, Giuliani said he wasn’t convinced any of the candidates were strong enough to defeat President Barack Obama. Until he is, he said he wouldn’t rule out a run of his own.

Rudy has the executive experience, been battle tested and is no more moderate than Mitt Romney or Rick Perry. Plus, unlike Rick Perry he can actually hold his own during a debate.

On social issues, Giuliani is NOT a conservative, but a moderate. But, so is Romney. Rudy does not have the albatross of RomneyCare hanging around his heck.

There is a path to the nomination, if the GOP will nominate a moderate on the social issues.

But, it looks like they will anyway with Romney, if Rudy does not run.