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I may indeed be relatively new to FR (I think I joined around July or so) as a poster. Read a little while before that. But I am definitely not new to Republican politics. I have been quite active for some time now.

I am not trying to drag the Republican Party leftward. But I am trying to make sure that it doesn't go so far to the right that it is impossible to win any elections. America, as a whole, is a centrist nation. We shouldn't have national candidates that are further right than center-right. Congressional races are entirely different matters. In states that can elect 100% conservatives (Idaho, Kansas, Wyoming, etc) . . go for it!!! We don't need moderates coming from there. In states that can not (Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont, etc), we simply lose when we run conservatives. I'd rather have a moderate Republican in those seats. We may not see eye-to-eye on all issues, but we will on some, and they will cast the all important vote for leadership the right way.

Oh, and by the way, the feeling is mutual. : )

It bears remembering that other things factor into the overall dynamic in additional to ideology. The elusive "likability" factor, for example. Reagan was able to win huge majorities of the centrist (moderate) vote because people just liked the guy. He was perceived as a "nice man". Clinton also won the moderate vote in this way (for some reason, I never liked him all that much myself). John Kerry, Michael Dukakis, Walter Mondull, OTOH, didn't have that, and so turned off many of the middle of the road types. Charisma, ability to organize, thinking on one's feet, debating skills, etc., are other factors that come into play.

So a center-right candidate like George Allen, or a center-left candidate like Rudy Guliani, could probably have a decent shot at the big prize if they could bring these skills to the table. If they don't, then all the 'Rats have to do is field a "likable" candidate (ala Clinton) who can put on a moderate mask, and they could take the cheese.

I would too. One thing, though, I'd really like to see a strong Republican challenge Susan Collins in Maine. Actually none of Maine's Senators are impressing me. I'd like to see a strong, moderate, Republican take down Barbara Boxer in California. I can't believe the challenger for her seat got so little attention or support.