[Starboard]

For the vast majority of GOP congressmen/senators, it is not in their personal, electoral interest to oppose Obama.

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True that. For the most part, the GOP’ers are just along for the ride. They have no core convictions, beliefs or principles. Someone astutely said they are the Gutless Old Party.

[Jacquerie]

Well, it isn't uncommon for first term congressmen or senators who ran as Tea Party conservatives, to go wobbly or rino or worse.

OTOH, I'm not aware of a single rat who moderated, who became conservative with time spent in office.

It would appear that the institution of congress itself tends to prod their members toward leftism.

That is why I regard repeal of the 17th Amendment so important.