The party as a whole, starting with the President, did abandon many of (what many of us thought were) its principles, notably the idea of limited government, even if there are some guys who are exceptions.
Add to this a war in which a decisive victory has not been achieved, and you've got defeat.
I thought we don't vote for Republican candidates simply because they have an "R" after their name and likewise, I would hope we don't vote against a Republican because they have an "R" after their name.
There is no valid excuse for the voters not supporting good conservative candidates such as Burns, Allen, Santorum and Talent -- none!
The WOT, tax cuts and judge appointments will all be hurt by this over the next two years.
Any hope at all of no amnesty and spending cuts post-Bush, have now been set back years.