will a true moderate be a serious contender for the gop nomination?

[perdedor]

It depends on your definition of "true" moderate. Another John McCain-esque fake moderate? Quite possibly. An actual moderate like Susan Collins? Very little chance without massive realignment for the party.

[perdedor]

Define "moderate". If you mean a disingenuous moderate like Pawlenty or Giuliani, then probably.  Otherwise, there will be no fiscally moderate Republicans at the table. There likely won't be any Republicans who are against U.S. imperialism and the impending wars in Yemen and Somalia. In other words, there wont be any Lincoln Chafees or Charlie Crist's in the mix.