The electoral strategy seems sound. California Republicans have a dwindling influence in the state, and they have tended to skew moderate. Florida has a stronger vein of conservatism, but still trends more moderate.

I don't know what CQ is thinking here.  If discussing the General election, maybe they would have some kind of point.  

But the California Republican base is really hard right.  Their few statewide electeds aren't, but they depend on a sclerotic CDP leadership and non-party voters for election.  If you look at the CA state legislators and the CA Republican Congressional delegation you get a much better picture of how far right the Republicans in CA are.

Similarly, I suspect that Florida Republicans are essentially Southern Culture Warriors, though I'm far less knowledgeable on that score.  I suspect Rudy is hosed in the primaries in both of these states based on his position on choice.