The Democratic Party was hijacked 4 years ago. That is why so many Democrats and Independents were Tea Party members. What prevents them from becoming Republicans are the social conservatives who maintain the necessity for pro-life, pro-traditional family values, and pro-2nd Amendment planks within the Republican Party.
Those of us who believe in the Holy Bible and our right to bear arms really aren't welcomed by the moneyed hoi-poloi and corporate contingents in either major political party.
So there really exists three factions, with part of the Democratic Party and Republican Party actually sharing major beleifs and values. Traditional Conservatives, Communists/Progressives, and the Corporatists make up the two parties with the demarcations blurred by the Corporatists.
The democratic party was hijacked 50 years ago.