At the risk of being fitted for the mu-metal chapeau, I completely agree. The laws preventing usurpation are certainly already on the books of every state.
The elected officials of both parties did not complete due diligence, merely rubber-stamping the DNC's chosen candidate. 1 Governor speaking up would certainly have helped focus national attention on the problem.
As for your theory of the GOP wanting to "dodge the 2008 bullet" because of the economy: I am not so sure that, looking down the barrels of a a 10-year Depression, that they won't try and dodge it again in 2012!
My theory: The Modern GOP very much seems to prefer to be making accomodating deals as a strong minority party, rather than communicating with the nation, leading from a position in front. Sorry.
I believe the GOP didn’t want “this” election. They would gladly have given this one to the RATS knowing what a disaster it’d end up being and then in 2012 they could come back on shining white steeds to save the country (the country they let/help/watched/encouraged to be destroyed).