ES,
That was the same argument used against Reagan when he ran, the same argument used, against W when he was being compared to McCain, the same argument used I'm sure against Santorum at the beginning of his Senatorial career.
The fact is that in most states, if you can motivate the conservative and center-right base to come out, it will overwhelm the libs and the center-lefts. We just don't try it often enough in Ohio. NOW, with a "moderate" senator who creeps further left with each passing day (just wait til you see how liberal DeWine gets if he decides after he's elected that he doesn't want to have to face the voters again), is the time for a change.
Vote for Pierce if you're in OH.
Ok. You have me there. I did vote for RR in the primary when he ran for California governor, and then again for President.