Then when the conservative candidate wins (e.g. Tim Shallenburger), the RINOs will refuse to support him or campaign for him, will either skip that race on the ballot at election time or (most likely) will vote for Dennis Moore - again.
It's always a 1-way street with RINOs & alleged moderates or "independents" - they're just too gutless to admit that they are really liberals, but they show their true stripes at the ballot box.
You can't beat a liberal with a conservative, they claim, only a mushy moderate can win. And their claims become reality when these "Republicans" absolutely refuse to vote for a true Republican. Yet we are expected to support any lifelong lefty who happens to adopt the "R" label for his political convenience.
Some ex-Rats see the light and convert to our side out of principle, and that type of convert is welcome; Rose doesn't seem like one of those, however, based on his comments.
If recent past history is any guide, moderate Republicans will flock to Moore is Lightner is nominated. And conservative Republicans would rather gnaw off their own arm than cast a vote for Steve Rose. That's what's gotten Moore his last 5 wins. But this year may be different. If Rose gets the nod he might win without the conservatives.