[MikefromOhio]

So what if they stay home

Are you doing the same math I am? Or is this the Planet Morgtorg? The Democrats ARE GOING TO POLL CONSISTENTLY IN THE 40% RANGE THE REST OF OUR NATURAL LIVES. Get used to it. That means you need to have AT LEAST 15% of the independent vote. HOWEVER, you could get 25% or even 30% of the independent voters and STILL NOT WIN BECAUSE 35% of the electorate THAT WOULD HAVE VOTED FOR YOU, were turned off because of your anti-religious rhetoric. YOUR theory will lead to a Hillary Presidency MUCH MUCH quicker, than any one of the possible GOP contenders playing to their base.

[Sentis]

The religous right will vote for whoever the Republicans put up they have no choice other than create a third party which they will not do because they had the perfect oppertunity during the Clinton/Dole election. Offering a socially liberal Republican will energize moderates and independants to vote for the Republicans.