I agree; the response to the Rockefeller Republicans should be that candidates who run and then govern on true conservative principles do in fact win. At least in the productive areas of the country. And, when you get down to it, following the conservative principles you outlined is simply the “right thing to do.” (I know; alien concept in Washington).
While the Rockefeller Republicans are right in that a conservative has no chance taking Maxine Waters’ or Nancy Pelosi’s seat, it’s still the right way to live your life and govern a country. Once you compromise away from this principle, then it’s just about power.
We just aren’t going to play that game any more. The GOP better realize that or it will become extinct.