First of all, neo-conservatism is distinct from conservatism in many important respects. Google it for a comprehensive definition of distinctions. The most glaring difference is in foreign policy, where neo-cons actively promote foreign intervention, while classic conservatives tend to towards isolationism. In the vernacular, neo-cons push war as key policy direction. Since 10 term Republican Congressman Ron Paul is staunchly against the neo-con wars, yet is extremely conservative on fiscal policy and social policies, he would not be endorsed by the neo-cons. All of the other Republican candidates could probably be endorsed by the neo-cons, because they have neo-con advisers and have staked out neo-con supported positions in foreign affairs.

In particular, Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson have been vocal in supporting the Bush/Cheney neo-con wars and saber rattling against Iran. John McCain has very similar positions in general, however he gives lip service to caution on fighting Iran and opposes use of waterboarding and other forms of torture in interrogation of suspected terrorists and enemy combatants, something neo-cons tend not to agree with. Duncan Hunter supports the Bush/Cheney wars and threats against Iran, but is better known for his activist approach to illegal immigration, which is not a standard neo-con position, because the cheap labor is very profitable for the American wealthy elite. Mike Huckabee has supported the neo-con wars, but has been critical of Bush on occasion. Despite some differences on ancillary issues, the neo-cons would likely endorse any of the Republicans, except the most conservative, Ron Paul.

Many neo-cons would not be so disappointed with Hillary Clinton, as she is a neo-liberal. She originally supported the resolution authorizing the invasion of Iraq and she supported naming the QUDs force as a terrorist organization. Although Clinton has since disavowed support for the war in Iraq, that was required due to its extreme dispopularity among Democrats and Independents. Since neo-cons explicitly endorse having a separate public explanation of policy from actual intent, they advocate a form of "double speak" in the parlance of 1984 and many believe that attribute applies to Hillary. Also, neo-cons accept the growth in big government (anathema to true conservatives like Ron Paul) and have a more liberal stance on many social issues than traditional conservatives. Thus, Giuliani and the old Romney fit well with the fuller pallet of neo-con positions.

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