No, Earley is weak...Gorton was an INCUMBENT, being OUTSPENT.....Besides that, It's the fact that taking the long view, is sometimes necessary, rather than, blindly making a statement vote.
We could be having Judges getting placed the actually believe the Constitution means what it says...and regardless of your feelings on the matter, Judges make a more lasting impression, than, the symbolism of voting for an unelectable candidate.
Your point about judges is a good one, one I take into account when I make my choice (although I'm an LP member, they have to earn my vote just like everybody else). But it doesn't answer my point: if a Republican loses, it's a Republican failure.
(I would add that being conservative doesn't mean the judge necessarily supports the Constitution.)
I agree that Earley is weak. If he loses, that will be why. If he would pledge to stamp out the stupid gun laws I would ignore the fact that he is a Republican and vote for him in a heartbeat.