Conservative SD loves Daschle too, but that does not make him a conservative. I guess they like these guys because they are in the spotlight and because they bring home the bacon, which in my opinion is contrary to what a conservative should be wanting (we need to cut out bacon, not have everyone wanting more and more of it).
You are right. Many "conservatives" aren't really that "conservative," but they want winners and familiar names.
There are few today who would have done as Governor Taft's grandfather, the original Bob Taft, who, when a voter complained about high food prices, said, "Eat less."