The idea that people will vote Republican based on geography, religion, or their parents is the antithesis of this American civic religion.
The Republicans rose to power based on limited government and fiscal responsibility. They have convincingly disavowed both of these pillars of their majority, and their majority is gone.
Currently unaffililated voters are up for grabs. What will the GOP do to win them? Move up Daylight Saving Time? Build bridges to nowhere? Put JAG officers in charge of warfighters?
Who knows?
One hopes that they learn from their mistakes. Whether they will remains to be seen. There are some hopeful signs, but not enough of them.