The way the system is set up I'm afraid conservatives from the beginning were doomed to fight a delaying action against the inexorable growth of the State - it doesn't matter who we elect, all victories are temporary as everyone & everything is co-opted eventually.
How many times have we invested ourselves in a battle only to find the GOP had left us on the field.
Even so, I'm still inclined to focus the threat before me, and that is Obama, and hope for a little more time.
Honestly, the only other options are to revolt (and I mean really) or quit the whole thing and hope to escape the tender mercies of the State, in the form of death panels or whatever, for a few more decades until I go to my reward. I need a drink.
Conservatives need to approach GOP candidates, or any candidate, with a litmus test for support. If the candidate fails the litmus test they don't get our support no matter who their opponent is.
If conservatives were solid in this position, it wouldn't take long before candidates worked hard to pass the litmus test.