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Since Republicans are only a little bit less liberal than Democrats and without the constant pressure from the real conservatives would become Democrat clones I'd say stay independent if you want to really promote conservatism. Look at Bush. There hasn't been a spending bill or a pork bill that he hasn't signed. He endorsed the extention of the henious Feinslime semi-auto ban. These are not the marks of a true conservative. Free Republic is a definite pressure on elected officials to move back to the Constitutional ideals envisioned by the founders. If you become officially Republican this pressure goes away. Just my opinion for what it's worth.

Well said BUMP! I vote nay as well. Even though politics IS about winning, it demands accountability. Government without accountability is tyrannical...or borderline fascist. The modern-day GOP needs us to demand accountability and to incrementally change the last 50 years of liberal policy to conservative constitutional policy through our votes, our money, our support, our participation, our criticism, our conservative and constitutional principles and our demand for accountability and integrity in public service. Though its hard to find that line between "incrementalism" and compromising all of our principles, I believe its safe to say that making FreeRepublic "affiliated" with the GOP crosses that line IMHO.