The GOP: Purifying Itself Into Irrelevance
In the wake of the cap-and-trade vote, it seems as if the most passionate Republicans - those most invested in reclaiming a majority in Congress - are making the prospect of a comeback all but impossible.
On Friday, June 26, 2009, the American Clean Energy and Security Act passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 219-212. While the press has, rightly, focused primarily on the environmental and economic impact of the legislation, there is another story unfolding behind the scenes.
Of the 219 "aye" votes, only eight were cast by Republicans. Those eight courageous Republicans are now staring at the business end of a collective right-wing hissy-fit. Conservative leaders - and thus, their blogosphere minions - are outraged that eight of their GOP brethren would support cap-and-trade.
Michelle Malkin has labeled them "turncoats," and published a "WANTED" poster featuring pictures of the eight Republicans. Other prominent conservatives named the group "cap-and-tr8tors," "Octofail" and even the dreaded "RINO" (Republican In Name Only).
The New York Times noted, "some conservatives are calling for the National Republican Congressional Committee to withhold funds from the eight lawmakers and for the active recruitment of primary opponents by party leadership."
It's as if the most passionate Republicans - those most invested in reclaiming a majority in Congress - are making the prospect of a comeback all but impossible. By purging the party of moderates, the Republican Party is becoming more ideologically rigid, and with that, nearly unelectable in most parts of the country.
And with only 20% of Americans identifying themselves as Republicans, the party doesn't have much wiggle room.
