Because the now immediate past RNC Chairman did not fully understand this tradition and reality, he is now out of a job.He should post his resume on monster.com.
The reason for the downward trend of the GOP has been the abandonment of the party's conservative message. GOP moderates have been trying to take control of the party ever since the Pubbies were outmaneuvered by Clinton during the 95-96 budget battle. Conservatives gave the Repupublicans the majority in '94, so a lack of enthusiasm on the right will almost certainly lead to a loss of power for the party.