If it comes down to an election between a Republican and a Democrat, I will vote for the Republican because if we are persistent, organized and wise with a clear strategy, we have the chance to influence the Republican but we have no hope of ever touching a Democrat.
We beat the anti-gunners like a wet mule. We can do the same with the pro-illegal immigrants. But we have to make sure they WIN elections if they take our position. Frankly, unlike the pro second amendment movement, we have not been producing votes on that issue and have been leaving these folks to political death when they support us.
The transition from "Voting Republican" to casting a more Intelligent vote for a true conservative takes more research than most voters are willing to commit to. I myself was guilty of doing as you say and until we can get past this aspect of electing politicians the change you and I seek will continue to ellude us. The Republicans-Democrats and any other party affiliations will be very pleased to receive your vote as a rubber stamp instead of a well thought out and planned approach to who gets your vote. When we vote that way unfortunately we cut the head of the nation off and nothing changes. This is why I say again and again a grassroots uprising has got to grab hold and we must become "ISSUE" oriented not party affiliated only. J. C. Watts of Oklahoma was one legislator who knows exactly what I speak of. We desparately need people of his strength and understanding of the "ISSUES"!