Is the Tail Wagging the Elephant?

Clearly, dissent has a place in the party. I recently mentioned how Christian conservatives have expressed displeasure with the candidacy of Giuliani.

Furthermore, Texas Rep. Ron Paul also has caught on as a candidate in favor of small government and strict adherence to the ideals of freedom as found in the Constitution. His campaign announced a huge third quarter for fund-raising -- $5.08 million. Paul also opposes free trade but supports free markets.

Ultimately, the emotional issues the GOP has campaigned on for the last 12 years have splintered the party. It cost them the election in 2006, and if they can't find their ideological way, the confusion may cost them more elections in the future.