Imagine what would've happened had ALL Repubs gone to bat for these two, rather than be part of the leftist attacks against them.
Their was a time when Newt and the Boys had a pair, spoke daily on local radio to inform, about their vision, their point of view. Something happened, it may have been Newt got to boastful or the press that may have been a little more even keel turned on them and the perception of what they did during their shutdown was a public relations disaster.
Or it was the Senate, Bob Dole @ the time was maybe a little better than McConnell. When he didn't take the 66 option ( one to abstain ) and not get the balanced budget passed, I think that was it. Funny thing is, the Senate is still the flippin' problem 3/4's of them suck on ice.
regarless you are correct, they didn't stick up for them specifically 25 in the Senate, and they never educate the public on their ideas.
Dang their is a lot of work to be done here....