[BritExPatInFla]

That element that is trying to hang our party on the will of the religious right is the element that has scared the most people away from the party, not brought more into it. We need more inclusion in the party, or else the dems will be laughing all the way to the White House, and we'll have nobody to blame but ourselves.

[spintreebob]

religious right is the element that has scared the most people away from the party

I can't speak for the rest of the country. But in Illinois blaming the religious right is a half-truth. Corruption and lack of morals/honesty by the Republican establishment has scared the most people away. But a role is played by the religious right also.

When Newt pushed the contract with America, millions of religious right got organized, registered to vote and voted Republican who had never voted before (or since). In later years when we ignored the contract with America and attacked Clinton's personal sins, the religious right stayed at home and did not vote at all.

The professional political consultants (and you) don't understand what really motivates us fundies