Just a question here : suppose the Republican Party does not pay heed to this, what might happen, given America's bipolar political system ? Could Conservatives flock to a third Party - which I understand would not stand a chance against the two present-day blocs - or would they punish the GOP by a large abstention ?
I believe a large segment of the zero immigration crowd doesn't vote anyways. Their is no party to turn to which reinforces their bigotry plus most of them can't read. Most Republicans who disagree with Dubya on immigration are not likely to vote for rats because they identify with Republicans on taxes, defense, abortion, or other issues.
Could Conservatives flock to a third Party - which I understand would not stand a chance against the two present-day blocs - or would they punish the GOP by a large abstention ?
It is probable some Republicans who see immigration as their #1 issue may stay home instead of vote. Their numbers are not substantial in my opinion.
These are likely the same people who deserted the party in 2000 for Buchanan/Fullani. 2.3% of the vote I think and many of those votes are stragglers from 92/96 Reform party members who can't believe the dream is gone. The Old Right always plays the spoiler. They make the claim they are "taking their ball and going home," when in fact they rarely vote Republican anyways.
If you go back to the Freepers home page of many of those most critical of Dubya on immigration you will find they were critical last year and the year before. In 2008 they will say "I voted for Dubya last time but this time I'm voting for some neverheard-of-little sh*t congressman."