[robertpaulsen]

"since the term is never completely defined."

True, it isn't. That's why "conservative" Republicans can be in favor of a prescription drug program, just not as expensive as the DemocRAT's program.

A conservative with principles would not be in favor of this program at all, and would vote against it.

Following which, he would be ostracized by the rest of his congressional colleagues, then voted out of office by his constituents.

[rdb3]

A conservative with principles would not be in favor of this program at all, and would vote against it.

This proves my point. What "conservative principles?" Even here the term is too airy, thus intangible.