I think the Republicans lost a lot of folks to the independents when the brand became the social conservative party associated with country-club Republicans, run away spending, rescuing of big business and never ending nation building. I think Beck brings back some of the libertarian/conservative side of the Republican party that is resonating with folks - the protection of individual liberty, small government and strict construction of the Constitution. That, combined with fiscally conservative values, appeals more as a message brand to the majority of Americans than what the Republicans had been selling previously.
So where did the slackers go? For whom did the people who did not care enough to fight for what they want vote? Voter turnout has been high in recent elections so not many stayed home. They didn't vote libertarian because the LP turnout is pathetic. So where did all these people land?