The problem with the Times editorial cited is that it seems to assume that the GOP is uniformly as conservative as the membership of CPAC (Not surprising, given that the Times, like most liberal organizations and persons, thinks that the GOP is a complete slave to the "religious right").

This is, of course, not so. Many moderate republicans exist, as demonstrated by the victories of Arnold S as California Governor and even Rudy himself as NYC Mayor.

Despite his moderate social views and despite the very conservative makeup of the CPAC conference, Rudy came in second. This shows a certain level of support among the more conservative elements of the party which, if combined with the moderate elements of the GOP, translates into a fairly sizeable base.