Rudy Giuliani, whose positions on abortion and homosexuality mark him as the most socially liberal Republican presidential candidate in more than a generation, is so far winning the contest for the support of social conservatives, according to a new analysis of recent polls.

The Politico

I have said for a while now that I think Rudy’s numbers are coming out of fear, from the impression that he is the most electable candidate in 2008 and the GOP’s best chance of holding onto the White House, preventing the Democrats from holding all three branches. I still think his numbers will erode as time goes on, particularly if a certain former Tennessee Senator jumps into the fray.

The Politico would seem to agree with my reasoning:

Widespread perceptions that Giuliani is the most electable Republican in this year’s field are driving his support among social conservatives, according to the analysis by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.

If the trend holds, this apparent willingness to support a candidate who fails what were once regarded as litmus-test issues would mark a landmark shift in the political behavior of a constituency that has been a pillar of the modern GOP. Already the shift is spurring sharp debate among prominent Christian conservative leaders, some of whom warn that Giuliani backers are abandoning core principles.