I kept it to four. I could put 15 items there, personally. But those 4 are musts. I say musts because other criteria has shaky chances in any candidate. Other than Ron Paul, no candidate seems interested in a serious philosophical challenge to the size and scope of the federal government, or at least has done anything to demonstrate it in any meaningful way. (And Paul is disqualified for other reasons). Other than Hunter, all the GOP candidates seem in favor of some convoluted immigration reform. (Fortunately, Hunter’s fence was signed into law). And most folks could live with green and/or gay friendly IF that were their only sins.
But my original 4 items are absolutes.
I was thinking the same things. If we have those four, we can work on the rest.
The 5 issues I added to your 4, constitute the basic issues for most conservatives these days. Those issues form the starting point for advancing conservatism in the political arena. Along with defending the Constitution, of course. While governance and politics is all compromise and negotiation, once to get into office. Its to what degree you're willing to compromise and negotiate that counts the most. Upfront, there is no surrendering on the basic principles of conservatism and once in office, there shouldn't be capitulation to the loyal opposition on EVERYissue. Stealing issues from the Democrats, or efforts to out-Democrat the Democrats, is a silly effort in futility. Serves no good purpose, except to undermine the traditional American values of mainstream conservatism.