There have been politicians who have run as being “progressive” on gay issues while being solid economic conservatives, sometimes even moreso than their social conservative counterparts. For examples, see former Gov. Bill Weld (R-MA), former Sen. Alan Simpson (R-WY), and former Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-AZ).
A campaign against big government would flop in both the Twin Cities and socially conservative rural areas. Most rural areas of Minnesota vote DFL - look at our Congressional representation and our state legislature. Conservative strength in Minnesota is all in the suburbs, which includes both socially conservative suburbs and not-so-socially conservative suburbs, such as my hometown of Edina.
Jim Kolbe is a liberal; and became more so after he came out of the closet. He is a turncoat; did not support the Republican who was nominated to replace his sorry a$$