Are they going to fight for the smaller, lower spending, less intrusive government that they talk about in their platform? If so, then yes, they have grown a spine. If no, the only thing growing is their noses.
I'll believe it when I see it. Yesterday's news already brought the thoght/speculation that W's tax reform will have nothing to do with instituting a flat tax(my preference) or national sales tax. That means that the present tax system will remain in effect with added special interest breaks and deductions, etc. In my mind, the present tax system has to go in order to open the door to reduction of government and all related reform efforts.