The problem with marginalizing the 30-35% conservatives is that that is a ruling plurality in a 3 way race. If the liberals and the mini-liberals split the lib and moderate vote, then that does two things.
1. It opens up a real possibility that the conservatives win. 32, 32, and 35 is a win for conservatism. Wouldn’t that be cool.
2. Someone will say, “But they’ll just coalesce their forces to defeat the conservatives.” That, too, would be a victory, for that would mean the TWO main parties would then be one of the two liberal parties and the conservative party. If stealing from one of the two is the way to victory, then that would mean 42, 23, 35. It changes the number 2 party and announces the birth of a new dominant party. A victory for conservatism.
The math favors the creation of a new, REASONABLE conservative party.
It may come to that.
I think on a national basis if it is going to happen it will be the Tea Party Caucus leaving the Pubs and forming their own party. The problem is at the local level redistricting is controlled by the Rats and Pubs every 10 years and they will draw districts to minimize the ability of a 3rd party to grow. Also, the media is in bed with the Rats and will do everything to marginalize any conservative party.
Finally, how would this new conservative party handle the populist bent emerging within conservatism. I doubt I'm alone in being surprised at the recent condemnation of people who have done well and the idea that unless you "sweat" you really aren't working.