But is it worth doing that? When Democrats win, it’s not Republican incumbents who lose...they go into lobbying and so on and make even more money. It’s us who loses.
This idea of “teaching them a lesson” is simply phony. It doesn’t work that way.
Agreed. Pat Roberts isn’t ideal, but he’s far from the biggest problem in Washington. We need to keep that seat Republican. There are stands to make, but this is not one of them. There are a couple incumbents that I would not mind seeing gone in November (we’re looking at you, Mississippi), but Roberts won fair and square and we need that seat.
I don't necessarily disagree with you on the value of political spite. But there's no question losing contests is costly for the GOPe, because it damages the value of their lobbying, which is pegged to influence. And I think you do have to keep them worried that you might do something irresponsible.