I am the first to share your concerns about the Republican Party morphing into Tweedledum. Understand that before we can think about introducing a conservative culture to a Republic that has lived off nothing but liberalism since 1932, we have to win the small battles bit by bit.
We also have to learn not to be the Stupid Party. Opposing the Prescription Drug Benefit would have left the initiative, and the Seniors, to the Democrats. Now it is our issue, and Bush will hammer this home next year. Medicare and Social Security are on their way to becoming Republican issues.
If Republicans refuse to act as a majority party (rewarding friends, punishing enemies, initiating legislation, winning wars), they will not deserve to be a majority party. Majority parties get to dispense the goodies, as well as craft legislation.
Patronage never died, it just changed its name to "entitlements". Bush knows this. He refuses to be a whipping boy like his dad. The Son holds the whip hand.
Again, for further illumination on this subject, and why the Dems are probably royally screwed, check out our good friend, the Common Tator's blog for a pretty good analysis of where we stand. CT has a nice sendup of Hillary's plans for the Convention in Boston.
As an aside, I've always thought there is nothing but downside for Hillary to jump in and grab the nomination away from Dean. Hillary is beloved, but if she came in and demanded the nomination after a year of the Cargo Cult's blood, sweat, tears, and campaign contributions, dammit, those libs might go Nader or sit out the campaign. Dean's people are the true Liberals, who believe that the party belongs to them. Hillary and the DLC crowd coming in to grab things because, well, they are the Clintons and therefore they deserve it, will cause no end of bitterness.
Be Seeing You,
Chris