I didn't realize that was your main point. I think conservative people running for office necessarily choose a point somewhere between their true view and what they think will get them elected, whatever that happens to be in the state they are being elected from. They then can sometimes go even more "native" when they are elected. Sharp, clear decisions have to be made at every turning point as to how much is worth it. In other words, is it better to compromise a bit in order to stay in office and get most of your agenda accomplished, rather than let the leftist win? When the lures of office begin to take over, it is time to reassess one's integrity.
This may all seem obvious. It is important for our officials elected as conservatives do a kind of teaching role as much as it can be tolerated. Changing hearts and minds, although a well-worn cliche, is still the seed of political change, at least until the political scene itself changes and sweeps the less incisive thinkers along with it.