[sitetest]

Dear Czar,

If #5 is perfectly conservative, and #4 is less perfectly conservative, then #4 isn’t as conservative as #5. Thus, the adjective “moderate” certainly is appropriate in this case, meaning that #4 is a conservative position, but not as conservative as #5.

But actually, I’d also accept from a presidential candidate #6, which is roughly where Mr. Thompson falls out, since that’s what a president can effect, short of provoking a constitutional crisis.

sitetest

[Czar]

"Thus, the adjective “moderate” certainly is appropriate..."

I disagree, for the reasons already given.

"I’d also accept from a presidential candidate #6,..."

While I favor just about anything that reduces the scope and power of the federal government, I'm afraid candidates would use "states' rights" as a cop-out to avoid stating their honest position.