[fr_freak]

Zero chance of winning, but he has a shot at electing the Democrat. No step forward and 1 step back doesn't advance the cause, but it lets the fools and cranks get a bitter thrill from spite.

This kind of attitude guarantees the status quo and, quite frankly, lacks guts. If the Republicans ignore this issue and end up losing an election they otherwise would have won, then they just might be forced to get their act together for the next election, whereas if we keep re-electing ineffectual or incompetent candidates because we are afraid to support someone who is not from the same mold as all other politicians who have failed us, then both parties can just keep pissing on us, because they know we'll just sit there and take it.

[Serenissima Venezia]

If the Republicans ignore this issue and end up losing an election they otherwise would have won, then they just might be forced to get their act together for the next election, whereas if we keep re-electing ineffectual or incompetent candidates because we are afraid to support someone who is not from the same mold as all other politicians who have failed us, then both parties can just keep pissing on us, because they know we'll just sit there and take it.

Well put. Losing one election, even in 2008, is a small thing in light of the bigger picturer. Either the GOP will emerge more conservative or a 3rd party will represent the conservative base. Either is better, since we are not represented now!