Yeah, I hold political pragmatism in high regard. I like gaining the presidency the old fashioned way, get more votes than your opponent by nominating candidates with instant, widespread name recognition. Senator Cruz still has a year and a half to become a household name.
I want Republican/conservative uniters, not dividers.
Not sure what to tell you in this regard. A LOT of conservatives are coalescing around the belief that the "Establishment" portion of the Republican party (Big monied donors, North East Country Club types, etc.) are deliberately working at cross purpose to conservative principles, and very much like them some big government just so long as THEY get to direct the cash flow.
A Lot of conservatives have come to the conclusion that these people will not fight to reduce the size and scope of government because they don't truly believe in the principles they are espousing.
A Lot of conservatives have come to the conclusion that these people are a greater threat to the conservative movement than are the Liberal Democrats, for they operate under the guise of an ally when they do their dirty work. At least we recognize right off that Democrats are the enemy, and so we know what to expect from them.
My point is, these are fundamental differences that divide, and i'm afraid there is going to have to be winners and losers in this particular argument, because the goals of each group are simply incompatible with each other.
The Amnesty issue comes to mind.