The question we are faced with is whether or not to try to reform the Republican Party or to abandon it. I submit to you that it is better to reform the Party of Lincoln than to try to start a new one or to try to accomplish anything outside of a political party. That does not mean rolling over for whatever the national party is coming up with, these days. It means actively working for Republicans you support and against Republicans you oppose within the Party.
On election day, though, I am still going to have to run my finger down that (R) column, because the (D) column is always so much worse.
Your post is full of wisdom. Reforms must come from within. Fortunately, we have the primary process.