[Richard Kimball]

This is what makes it a tough choice. The Republicans have been trying to slowly purge the conservatives and create the "big tent." Rick Perry announced as much through a representative at the McLennan County Republican Convention in 2004. The representative said, "The Republican Party is a big tent, and if you're so tied to your single issue that you can't accept those who disagree with you, then get out. We don't need you." Perry, of course, dropped from 58% of the vote in 2000 to 39% in 2006, but was still able to pull out a victory because the anti-Perry vote was split three ways.

I know the coalition can't continue to hold together much longer when the ONLY reason we have to vote for Republicans is that the Democrats are so much worse.

[hinckley buzzard]

I know the coalition can't continue to hold together much longer when the ONLY reason we have to vote for Republicans is that the Democrats are so much worse

The pieces and parts are still out there, waiting for a leader with vision to call them together. Conceptually, it isn't that complicated. But apparently we have no men of stature waiting in the wings.

None of the current candidates can authentically claim the banner of small, limited government--vigorous national defense--traditional American values--economic freedom--and most of all, the unabashed embrace of American exceptionalism.

Find me a guy who fills that bill and I'll show you a future two term president.

[TradicalRC]

I know the coalition can't continue to hold together much longer when the ONLY reason we have to vote for Republicans is that the Democrats are so much worse.

That reason gets less true every election cycle. The government grew more under Bush than Clinton.