The CWA was a governing document that was released about six weeks before the 94 election. For those voters paying attention, it did make a difference. The difference between the 54 seat pickup, and some lesser figure.
I'd say that it's a legitimate function of the federal govt to watch how it's money is spent, hence reforming a welfare system is a political issue.
Child support laws, adoption laws, etc. All legitimate functions of the federal govt, in my opinion.
Sanctioning Gays is *not* a legitimate function of the federal govt. I also think abortion should be a state's issue. I'm a fan of the 'component architecture' of the Constitution -- leaving most things to the states.
Anyway -- if the CWA was the difference maker, then is abandoning it and going with social issues first likely to be a wise choice?