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Libertarians aren't really a natural part of the GOP constituency, and shouldn't be treated as such or relied upon in any way.

LOL - Small government, fiscal conservatives aren't a "natural part of the GOP"? Exactly what do you think is the natural constituency of the GOP?

With attitudes that I've seen here by the theocons, unless the democrats do something really stupid (which they are prone to do), they are going to be in power for a long time.

I agree. If Republicans want to be a Southern only party, they'll be in the minority for a long time.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus

I think that libertarians have some things in common with conservatives, but depart from most conservatives in several respects. Most conservatives and liberals do think there is a legitimate role of government in setting social policy, though they disagree with the goals and methods.

Libertarians I know don't think that's the case. The small government part is ok, but I tend to think conservatives have an agenda beyond that, and not limited to a 'theocon' agenda in any way. Most Americans believe there is a legitimate role of government in the social sphere - libertarians tend to think there isn't. They tend to really have no major political party as a natural home for them, their fiscal conservatism notwithstanding.

As it stands they haven't been able to convince many Americans of their point of view. That being said, their numbers are growing. But I don't consider their votes to be ones that the GOP can count on or rely upon.

I said before the election if the dems control the House by a 230 or so seats, the GOP won't see control of the House for a very long time, maybe decades. That has almost nothing to do with libertarian voters in those districts, though.

I just think that while conservatives and libertarians are of like mind on many issues, they are of different mind of other issues and just aren't a reliable part of the GOP constituency. The last election demonstrated that in some areas, but that's not to say libertarian voters are needed for conservatives to win. The GOP won many races in 2002 and 2004 by healthy margins - those weren't all libertarians making the difference. The GOP can win with some libertarian minded voters, but it certainly doesn't need them all, and it certainly doesn't need them to win, notwithstanding solid and heavy losses in 2006.

I just don't want serious minded libertarians to compromise much to join GOP ranks, and i don't want conservatvies to compromise much to make libertarians happy. The fact is there just aren't that many libertarians and until there are more, they are just a marginal force that tends to not accomplish very much, outside of talking.

And talk, after all, is cheap. Once they organize and capture larger numbers, they might win now and then. Until then, they need to work on converting people to their point of view and gaining political clout. I wish them the best but I find them to not be a good fit with the GOP except for some fiscal issues, and frankly that issue is overrated since it's clear to me that enough people like fat DC spending - at least, the fat DC spending that comes their way.

Small government, fiscal conservatives aren't a "natural part of the GOP"? Exactly what do you think is the natural constituency of the GOP?

HitmanLV calls a meeting of the Natural Constituency of the GOP to order.