I'd restrict the membership to those who identified themselves with the modern conservative movement (or defined it as they led). Of that, my first Hall of Fame class would be:
William F. Buckley
Ronald Reagan
Rush Limbaugh
Newt Gingrich
Barry Goldwater
Yes, I know Goldwater sort of left the reservation in his senile years and Buckley is doing the same but they were the trailblazers who brought many with them into the movement. Gingrich led the GOP takeover of the House in 1994 which still survives to this day. Limbaugh is the daily evangelist of the movement, winning the converts that can form a majority. Reagan needs no explanation.
Several other names can be added later but I don't think you HAVE a legitimate conservative movement without these five.
Newt's mom was right.
I fully agree.
I can abide by all except Newt. I don't trust him.