True, but Rand Paul is so far away from conservatism that there is no other strategy available to him. Conservatives won’t vote for him any more than McCain or for Romney, and Rand Paul can not win without them anymore than McCain or Romney won.
Social Conservatives are not on any plantation. Most of them are Christians who more concerned with their relationship with and obedience to God than with the fleeting events of this world.
It is a fundamental difference in the very focus of their world view.
In what ways? Could you post some specific examples?
The way the word "conservatism" is used these days it's hard to be sure what people actually mean or are trying to accomplish when they use that word.