Of 160 House members, 19 (12%) are Republicans. Of 40 Senators, 5 (12%) are Republicans.
Andy Card, whatever else he is, is a party man. He has the deadly words "GOP" and "W" written all over him.
Denying this seat to a communist involves running a liberty-loving independent. A Republican (with the possible exception of Willard) has NO CHANCE.
Old numbers. We're at 16 now after the '08 elections. 10%.