Given the performance of the Republicans since November so far, the RINOs are still in charge, and happily attending a little congenial cocktails parties with Demo “buddies.”
Not much of a sign that things will be different.
The RINOs who got their walking papers proved to their constituents that they were the trash that needed to be taken out. Their behavior was notably vengeful. The RINOs remaining are waiting to do the same damage with what time they have left, because they’ll be next.
Washington will not change with less than 100% discipline in the GOP. But the Repubs can’t seem to stop rewarding the most floppy members to chairmanships (it’s “their turn” after all — “Rep. Hal Rogers of Kentucky as chairman of the Appropriations Committee and Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan as chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee” [sponsored bill to ban light bulbs] — Washington Examiner).
Don’t know much about the other appointments, but chairmanships alone prove the GOP will assume room temperature in 2011.
“Washington will not change with less than 100% discipline in the GOP.
And herein lies the problem. Being Republican does not mean being Conservative. A political party no longer reflects ideology and core beliefs. It reflects a label. And a good percentage of Repubublicans are Republicans because they believe in some of those beliefs, but not all.
As an example, both my wife and I are Republicans. While I toe the line on Conservative values, my wife has no interest in dealing with social issues. Her belief is in a strong chamber of commerce and a secure border because she is a business owner and as such, has no confidence in what the Democrats are doing.
Unfortunately we have politicians who feel the same way.