So Arlen betrayed his party and so did Charlie. They both defected to the left. So how's the big tent working out now? Oh, and one more. After a total failed first term as Governor in Ohio, conservatives urged "the Party" to drop Bob Taft. Of course the Republican elites laughed as Ohio conservatives ran a "not on top" campaign and refused to vote for Taft. A few years later Taft was standing before a judge being sentenced on four ethics charges. The Republican Party was torn to shreds, driven from power and humiliated.

Ohio and Taft, Pennsylvania and Specter, Florida and Crist -- and Republicans wonder why they cannot capture the White House or a Congressional majority.