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OK, what do you suggest we do? In Maine, for instance, should we insist that Olympia Snowe run as a Democrat, or refuse to vote for her? While Olympia Snowe isn't my ideological cup of tea, considering the political make-up of Maine, she's probably the best we can expect the Republican Party to produce. And her and Susan Collins being in the Senate means the difference between having Bill Frist as Majority Leader, or Tom Daschle. To me, that's a big reason to support the likes of Snowe and Collins. (I found it interesting that in looking at the American Conservative Union's rating of members of Congress for last year, Snowe rated a 65, while Barbara Boxer rated a 5.)

I don't think anyone is suggesting that Republicans jettison conservative principles to increase the numbers. What I'm suggesting is that I'd prefer to have someone in office I agreed with 55% of the time than someone I disagreed with 95% of the time. If a pure conservative has a viable candidacy, then by all means fight to the death for that person. But in a state where a pure conservative would mean sure defeat, it's prudent to settle for less, considering the alternative. (And I'll readily admit that considering the nature of the recall election in California, there is the likelihood that a conservative could win -- Arnold isn't the only one who can win this for Republicans.)

And to those who would never consider voting for a Republican who isn't 100% conservative, I urge them to read Ann Coulter's book, TREASON, and discover who the real enemy is.

"OK, what do you suggest we do? In Maine, for instance, should we insist that Olympia Snowe run as a Democrat, or refuse to vote for her?"

That's a start. In the primary anyway. That's what we are doing here in PA with Arlen Specter. We have a challenger (Cong. Pat Toomey) in the spring that is viable. Arlen has money, but I truly believe that he lacks deep grass roots support that he will need to win. I believe the key is to run as an unabashed conservative and then be one when you get into office. There must be a clear distinction to get people to the polls and all too often, there just isn't that much of a difference that will stir people to vote.