The rise of the so-called “neo-cons” (Rove being an example) have been itching to ditch overboard, social conservatives. They’ve felt safe to come ‘out of the closet” about it recent years.
Rove and others like him are just worldly people, they do not want people with conscience looking over their shoulders. Honest people creep out shifty people and vice-versa.
The Democrats are very enthusiastic about doing the devil’s work—abortion, drugs, homosexuality. The Republicans are only about the money.