My closest friend on this site is a self described Christian conservative (I'm a near atheist Wasp eclectic type, and admit it, but on balance, clearly right of center). Maybe he is oblivious to my vicious attacks, blinded by friendship. Or maybe you have it a bit wrong. Just a thought.
Most of the time I have no problem with you. But sometimes you lose it.
Regarding ticket strength, my opinion is that the effect is negligible in most cases, but that there is an advantage in certain cases, most notably New Hampshire and Missouri for the Republicans this time around. The two main advantages: turnout and PR.
Turnout: when a base is enthused, it is more likely to turn out in high numbers. While the presidential race is the prime driver of turnout, having strong, well-funded senate and gubernatorial candidates spend millions on their own, or coordinated, operations, can only help. A strong ticket will also increase enthusiasm for the ticket and increase self-motivated turnout. On the flip side, Democrats are in for a divisive primary in Missouri, and may end up with unpopular Governor One-Term-Bob Holden on the ticket. THAT can't be good for morale.
PR: When Bush shows up in New Hampshire, he gets to hang out with probably the two most popular elected officials in the state on the campaign trail. He has Judd Gregg saying "I agree with Bush, he has the right stuff, Kerry has opposed the things I've worked for in the senate, etc". That contributes to a favorable impression of Bush in voters' minds.
How much of an impact is it? 2.0%? 0.5%? 0.1%? Any of those three could be the difference between winning or losing a tossup state.
Now we don't see eye to eye on everything but we do on lots of things.
But when Torie talks about election analysis, the economy or the law he is on very solid footing. He's taught this Christian conservative a lot. Give him a chance, he's akin to lichens, he'll grow on your right side.