"Additionally, we need to nominate conservatives who can lean to the middle instead of moderates who claim they can lean to the right."
Very well stated. I think that a very big characteristic that needs to be looked for in candidates is the *very* traditional and conservative virtues of moderation in rhetoric and graciousness in both defeat and victory.
We are branded as "wild-eyed" crazies of the right. Anything that contributes to that image should be off-limits. This does *not* mean compromise in stating policy positions, but just being temperate and controlled in how we do it.
Reagan was the master at this.
Agreed. I don't know about your situation there in SD. I do know the GOP here keeps nominating moderates who lose. The more conservative candidates have done better in the past and I just hope we will change direction and find those people instead of looking for moderates in the mistaken belief they will appeal to more voters.
One here is Bob Schafer. Bob lost out to Pete Coors two years ago for the US Senate race. Pete is really a good guy but no match for Ken Salazar, who went on to win it for the Democrats. Pete had the money and White House blessing, but Bob was a much better candidate, debater, and passionate on his conservative views and positions. I truly believe Bob would have wiped the floor with Salazar had he the chance to debate him.