If a half of the party had said last time, “we won’t endorse or work for Mitt Romney” that would, at a minimum, have told the gop-e where they stood.
I don’t think that would happen. Have you ever been involved in a national endorsement? The primaries are a very important element of the process. Being able to raise money, survive the grueling schedule and often withering attacks are critical in winning a Presidential Election. The goal is winning. Even with a GOPe President (which is the most likely, even Reagan was a Party Man) we’re better off. The real action happens at the state level with elections of Reps and Senators. Strong Reps and the most conservative Senator is more critical than getting the perfect Presidential candidate.
I love Reagan, but he’s overrated when it comes to shrinking government. Gingrich did more on that count than Reagan ever did. Congress is the prize. Let’s keep it for a generation.