Yes, the Northeastern "moderate" Republicans are model proponents of "smaller less intrusive government" and "support for states rights," aren't they? (sarcasm off). The president, senate majority leader, senate majority whip, house majority leader and house majority whip are all southerners. Are you honestly suggesting that they are really small government, balanced budget conservatives but are powerless in the face of the moderate Republicans?
I'm saying that the moderate Northeastern GOPers didn't have any soul to lose. They were just proven losers.
I don't have a strong brief for politicians in general. One must have a serious personality disorder to get into politics in the first place. That applies to my side's guys as well as the other side's. Some politicians are better than others, but it's hard to view many as principled.