Like you said in #59 - they are inseparable.
We've seen the results of trying to 'balance the ticket'; as one side of the teeter-totter never touches the ground.
So when the IDIOTS that are running the GOP thought they could 'balance' a DECEIVED Mormon with a Catholic; they got an even WORSE result!
Pissing off an awful lot of Conservative Christians in this country is sure as HELL no way to try to win an election!
The FR folks who wanted O out so badly, HAD to cling to the unwinnable Romney; or get scathing slurs hurled their way.
The wimpy RINO McCain, was replaced with a man who was not only a wimpy RINO; but also so poor in discernment that he believes the stuff the SLC pumps out!
I made a grave mistake in voting for McCain and vowed "never again". Romney as the "R" candidate hardened my resolve, not only was he even more liberal than McCain, he is guilty of that part of your statement that I high lighted and under lined. I'll never regret not voting for Romney. I didn't vote for Obama either.
For those who hoot that not voting for Romney was the same as voting for Obama - Frankly, I don't give a damn.