Gun control is an issue that appeals to much of the Democrats base. However, they learned that if they try to make it part of their agenda, its main effect was to energize the Republican base so much that the Dems were defeated. Abortion has similar aspects for Republicans.
Republicans need to focus, for now, on things that will damage the ability of the Dem party to win elections. In Wisconsin, Gov Scott Walker did that by focusing on limiting the power of public employee unions. The unions are now experiencing a dramatic shrinkage in membership, and thus dues revenue. They thus have much less money to throw at Dem campaigns.
For now, Republicans need to similarly focus on measures that will reduce Dem power without disproportionately energizing the Dem base.
Indeed. Good politicians would know this instinctively.
We do not seem to have those.