I sure hope you're right about homeschooled kids! They are definitely smarter and have something the ps kids don't have.... critical thinking skills.
One of the smartest young people I've met in a long time was a young Orthodox Jewish girl who went to a private school (not homeschooled) and has her own views on everything - very conservative. She's just a lovely young lady and really made me feel somewhat positive about our future, which is good, because I often feel a little pessimistic at times.
Many (though certainly not all) Orthodox Jews fit the bill as "crunchy cons." Most of their money goes toward educating their children or spending for the Sabbath & holidays. Although materialism has encroached on their society as well, many manage to live quite modestly.
I believe, anyway, that conservatism breeds modesty. It's the nature of the beast. Someone who is traditional in his values & lifestyle seems to lead a more simple life. Consumerism is tied in with ego -- the need to draw attention to oneself. The more one's attention is turned toward G-d, the less self-centered, period. And the more incentive to want to pass on values to children -- as well as have children. Liberals by their very nature have fewer children, or none at all.