I think what it really boils down to is this: the media is pushing for the weaker Republican to go up against the incumbent Democrat. A look at the websites shows who the more heavyweight candidate is:
Stuart Posselt: www.posselt4statesenate.org
Dennis Purificacion: www.mrdennisp.com
Dennis Purificacion is pro-life, pro-gun rights, anti-affirmative action, and anti-income tax. I think he also has the most political experience. I've gotten to know him through his state- and national-level political activism. He's one of those few people you run into in politics who actually holds convictions.
You are absolutely right about this. The press will ALWAYS promote the liberal/moderate Republican over ANY conservative Republican, and then if the liberal wins, they'll turn on him, and if the conservative wins, they'll repeat he's too conservative, an extremist, out of the mainstream, etc., etc. Look at Riordan and Simon! The press was in a major lovefest with Riordan and are shocked and dismayed that Simon has taken the lead! How can that be? Riordan is so reasonable on everything!
However, in this district I don't think any Republican can win, liberal OR conservative. Republican registration is at 29% and Bush lost the district by 20 points with only 35% of the vote. The district has to be AT LEAST 35% Republican to even have a chance of a Republican winning (only two legislative seats have been won in the 1990s with less than 35% Republican registration).
But by all means, if you live there, vote for the conservative because you will be voting him to have a place at the table in the party, and that will help conservatives up and down the state.
Vote for Dennis tomorrow!