[goldstategop]

That's probably true. There are Republican pols eager to curry favor with the MSM. Its mostly a Beltway syndrome but the disease has been known to affect state parties as well.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[counterpunch]

It’s not the Republican politicians that are at issue so much.
A Republican politician cannot just run for office by fiat. He must be nominated by the rank and file. If rank and file Virginia Republican voters are spineless RINOs, then so will their candidates be in the general election. If they are solid conservatives, then they will nominate one.

It is ultimately up to the “grassroots” to put forth the candidate that represents their values.