What is one to make of all the hubbub this Republican primary season? Most of the talk has centered around the tea party, Sarah Palin, Republicans in name only (RINOs), and the reaction of the Republican establishment. Well, there is much to talk about.

The Republican establishment has clearly been shocked by the rapid ascension and influence of the tea-party and more general tea-party sentiment during the primary season. And rank and file conservatives new to the political process have been shocked at the unfriendly welcome they have received in Republican circles.

For a long time the mantra has been that for the Republican party to succeed, the party needs to engage and motivate the base. You need to get them involved. Or so they said.

As it turns out, the Republicans wanted the base to get involved–just not so much. What they really wanted is for real conservatives to turn out to vote but certainly not run. Newly involved fiscal conservatives are finding out that the Republican party wants their votes, just not them.

Welcome to the club.

This is the position that culture-of-life conservatives, like me, have found >>>

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