Yes, the do recruit, but anyone is free to run without the blessing of the Party.
Yes, they do raise some funds and do some advertising, but not in the Primary.
If you NEED their help, in the General, you probably don't have a very good chance of winning.
Politics is a team sport.
My advice is to go to a few rallies or meetings, go to prolife or 2nd Amendment or Tea Party events.
Meet candidates you like.
Then work for those candidates.
The Political Party does have a role, but the Party has no control over the elected officials, and no control over who runs under the Party label.
Believe it or not, this is a GOOD thing, it puts the VOTERS in charge.
With all due respect, I fully understand how the process works.