Unfortunately, I think you are right about this.
It seems there are many, many people who actually get it when it comes to economics (they are tired of supporting those who choose not to work), but won't vote Republican because of the social issues.
To win, we need to focus on economics and personal freedom (which as small government advocates we tend toward anyway). I think that is a message that people will buy into.
I say this, and I am as pro-life as they come. I think even Rush says that battle needs to be fought in the hearts and minds of people, not legislatively.
The social issues include stuff like free contraceptives. If it were only social issues holding back the GOP, then why isn’t Gary Johnson President elect today? When values like personal responsibility disappear, pretty muc everything we see a conservatism disappears with it.