I live in NJ, in the NYC media market, and see this all the time.
I remember Al D'Amato being fairly conservative, but then shying away from those positions to try to win favor with NY's liberal voters and the NY Times editorial board.
His move to the left was rewarded with defeat to Chuckie Schumer and he was sentenced to political irrelevancy. Last time I heard from him, he was shilling for the rights of internet poker outfits.
Chris Christie is the new poster boy for the enemies to the right Republican. They love the happy ending massages the media gives them when they attack conservatives. Unfortunately for them, they need to win office against liberal Democrats and they look like milquetoast indecisive grovelers when they face that battle. And their fawning media buddies give them the shiv everytime.
Right-on analysis dead...