This strategy is a proven failure. Republicans put forth mediocre candidates, or candidates that seem to be more Democrat than they are Republican. Take John McCain for instance. These same morons, also go after their Republican competition with a vengeance. But when it comes time campaign against the Democrat, it is more pathetic than two four-year olds pillow fighting.
Time and time again, the Republican Party cries that if people don't rally around the nominated Republican, the world will end. Guess what, it hasn't ended yet. And when we do hold our nose and pull that lever, hoping for the best, we get stabbed in the backed, ridiculed by our own party, see conservative concepts and belief minimized and just taken for a pack of fools.
Sometimes the doctor has to amputate a limb to save a patient. Conservatives are tired of rolling over and voting for a RINO. What's the point. If they can't get the message, or just choose not to read the tea leaves, then maybe it really is time for a third party.
If you consider having four more years of an incompetent Obama better than a Romney then I have to question your definition of retarded.