[peteram]

True. But think for a moment. If enough conservatives really get ticked off at GW, they would do what they can to fill both houses with conservatives just to offset the moderation that appears to be coming from the White House. Also, to send a message that we ARE conservative and nothing in-between is good enough.

[goldstategop]

I like your theory. It assumes we will nominate true conservatives to federal offices instead of RINOs. Can we really send Karl Rove a message? I wonder about the quality and ideological commitment of the current crop of Republican federal candidates.

[NoControllingLegalAuthority]

You suggest the correct approach, IMHO.

[Tall_Texan]

True. But think for a moment. If enough conservatives really get ticked off at GW, they would do what they can to fill both houses with conservatives just to offset the moderation that appears to be coming from the White House. Also, to send a message that we ARE conservative and nothing in-between is good enough.

And WHAT conservatives will be left on the ballot to vote for once Jesse Helms is replaced by Elizabeth Dole, Strom Thurmond is replaced by Lindsey Graham and Phil Gramm is replaced by John Cornyn? Since the higher-ups at the GOP are actually sponsoring primary candidates who are somewhat lacking in conservative credentials (in my view), the TRUE conservatives (especially in the Senate) have become few and far between. They have no voice (Trent Lott? Denny Hastert? Gimme a break!!) within their own party. They only serve to drum up the faithful when it's time for re-election and the rest of the time are told to shut up or get with the program.

I think Goldstate is right. Such tactics are likely to make more conservatives stay home than to make them more willing to vote.