[Poohbah]

If the CA GOP is overrun by zealous firebrands, why have statewide GOP campaigns (besides Pete Wilson's, and he is a moderate) in California been so tepid from 1994 through 2002?

We're not overrun by zealous firebrands; the leadership of one particular group with a lot of influence was overrun by zealous firebrands, and when primary races didn't go their way (i.e., those eee-vil moderates won them), they've engaged in Bob Mulholland last-minute puke politics against Republican nominees.

"I am religious right, hear me roar. I can't win an election to save my own neck, but I can sure make sure that the guy closest to my position loses!"

[Spiff]

and when primary races didn't go their way (i.e., those eee-vil moderates won them), they've engaged in Bob Mulholland last-minute puke politics against Republican nominees.

Specifics?