"I have said it before and I’ll say it again: social conservatives have taken over the Republican party. Fiscal conservatives have allowed social conservatives to not just take over their party, but even to determine the meaning of conservatism. If the Republican party, however, wants to win in 08, they’d better break with the social conservative movement/religious right," – Michael van der Galien.
I make a similar case in "The Conservative Soul," which last year prompted some critics to say I was over-stating the influence of the Christianist right in redefining conservatism away from its roots in skepticism, limited government and individual freedom. But I’ve noticed a slight uptick in interest in the book lately, as some Republicans have headed toward new extremes. Even Derb says he may re-read it. Try Chapters 5 and 6, Derb. I bet you find more there to agree with than you might expect.
The Dish 