I disagree that it is about backbone. It is about core values. Most conservatives have some, and most include not ignoring or breaking the law.
Leftists have no such governor.
If they change a law, like they did the filibuster rule, then conservatives have shown they will take advantage of it.
But they won’t openly engage in collusion, spying, defamation, and other frivolous and non-essential or illegal functions if they have power. Just won’t happen.
Democrats are all socialists of varying flavors. The GOP on the other hand is hopelessly conflicted. The MAGA wing and progressive corportist wings of the GOP have diametrically opposed agendas. The GOP coalition is bound to break up eventually as it becomes clear that the GOPe is actively colluding with Democrats and working against the wishes of GOP base voters.
I agree completely with what you wrote… It’s pretty clear that there are some ostensible Republicans who have clearly made a choice about where they want to go.
We all have plenty of ideas about where they should go, and should always be willing to help them.