Reply #82: I think it is the latter. [View All]

[marbuc]

Polls are showing public dissatisfaction with the current establishment, and pandering to the interests of the hard right is a big reason for this.

The Radical Right has applied the full court press, and forced legislators into questionable decisions that contradict mainstream interests (Schiavo, stem cell research, gay marriage, etc., instead of "Main Street" issues like the economy, the war, education, and health insurance). The Republicans rightfully fear a push back, and therefore some are moving distancing themselves from these extreme groups.