DaveS wrote:
...
I think a much better approach would be for R moderates and true
Conservatives to work within their party to renew it as more of a
centrist-slightly to the right, party, respectful of the power of
government for constructive as well as oppressive administration, and
capable of GOVERNING effectively. and constitutionally, when in
control of the Executive branch. ...

Yeah, I agree that a loyal opposition is a good thing if for
nothing else than to force us to look at the issues from all
angles and be fully versed in alternative ways of accomplishing
our national goals. I don't know that the GOP can be that loyal
opposition, they may be too far gone.

Take Arlen Specter for instance, a thoughtful, diligent, capable
Senator from Pennsylvania. Specter faces a primary challenge he
may very well lose in 2010 even though he would be reelected easily
were he the GOP nominee. GOP chair Michael Steele has already
indicated that he could back a challenger in the Pennsylvania GOP
primary.

Specter's problems in Pennsylvania are mirrored all over the country.
The challenge to a moderate GOP comes not from Dems on the left but
from whackjobs on the right. The GOP no longer has the majority of
any demographic save one, older, less affluent, uneducated white males.
Every other demographic, women, the younger voters, affluent voters,
people of color, people with an education are leaving the GOP in
droves. In America, just like on roff, the only folks left in the
GOP are the whackjobs.

--
Ken Fortenberry