The issue is going to become VASTLY more complicated with the rise of the Left in the Democratic Party. Democrats who have very little in common with the traditional Republican party are defecting to the GOP based solely on social issues and values. They will not be fiscal conservatives, and will have many differing ideas; think of it as immigration to the GOP. They want a better party, so they come here - but they are bringing some old Democrat ideals with them.
Do we intergrate at all? If so, how? Or will we simply encourage them to form a new party?
You make a very valid point. I had never thought about the consequences in quite this way.
In the titanic struggle between the parties, Repubs have lost the war in CA. We may rally, but the real struggle is yet to come.
Moderation and compromise will be the key the moving the ball forward. We'll need to expand the tent as large as possible and expose the dems as the extremists.
I just back from D.C. and the contrast with Sacto could hardly be greater. Washington is on track, under Repub. control. Sacto is hopelessly mired.