You may not lose you principles...but you can lose elections...take for example the impeachment of Clinton (I don’t like Clinton so this in no way defends him), it was unpopular with the country...the GOP House knew the Senate would vote to acquit, but impeached anyway...the next election, the House lost GOP seats. You have to consider getting elected at some point (this may not be it-don’t know), or despite all your principles...the other guy wins.
Glad NYPD and NYFD don’t think like you do...or else they’d never stick their necks out and put themselves at risk to do what is right.
What good does it do to have a wobbly RINO in place if they will cave with a bit of pressure?
IMO, your explanation is exactly what is wrong with the GOP...duck to tough stuff to posture yourself for the next election, keep your seat no matter what.
Contrary to GOP “strategy”, “Sticking to your principles” does NOT mean “let the other guy walk all over you” nor does it prohibit you from criticizing the other guys ideas.