Politicians will do what they do; they want to get re-elected, and will soften positions to get re-elected.
I think this last re-election, by such a narrow margin, makes him think he can’t be a staunch conservative and win next time.
Reminds me of an age old question — are the politicians there to represent their constituents, or there because they want to have power?
Are the conservative ones there representing their conservative values, or do they moderate their views, so as to attract more liberal voters on election day, and get re-elected?
Embarrassing sell out of principals. So stab us in the back. I can’t imagine being a politician betray everything you supposedly stand to get re-elected. What a whore. it is not likely to work so why not go out with a little dignity?
No matter their initial motivation, once they are in the world of politics, they become beholden to the carrot and/or the stick, unless they were already billionaires without a shameful past. Sometimes they are driven by power, but mostly they want to keep the flow of money coming in, and sometimes they HAVE to keep the flow of money as they owe it all elsewhere. The hugest motivator of all is to avoid national and personal shame and scandal, which could happen if your "owners" release the video of you with that 17 year old, or your secretary, or that male lobbyist, or even alone masturbating to my little pony. Once they get you, they've got you.
Are the conservative ones there representing their conservative values, or do they moderate their views, so as to attract more liberal voters on election day, and get re-elected?
A very few literally represent true conservative values. Tom McClintock for example. Many espouse them but are bought and paid for, owing the farm to those who put them in their seat. Or worse, see above paragraph. And most want to keep that cushy gravy train going.
I think true conservative Americans would love to see a politician espouse conservative principles and SAY they do not care about reelection and mean it. Really represent us and let the chips fall where they may. It seems sometimes that no one retires unless they are hit with some scandal. I guess it's like the rat pushing that lever and getting those treats.