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His constituents love him and overwhelming re-elect him year after year.

Again, you speak from ignorance. His constituents HATE him. HATE him. 6 months ago when he came through the area with his town halls, his constituents were very vocal in denouncing him in the meetings. In January when he held his town halls, every single one of them was protested by conservative Republicans fed up with the RINO.

He is not welcome in Cochise County at Republican Party events. There have been several this year and last year and he attended none of them. Likely, he was not invited as he is a lightning rod for controversy and is generally hated by most Republicans here. At last month's Lincoln Day Dinner, mere mention of his name prompted boos and jeers from the Republican crowd.

Two years ago he was afraid to even step foot inside the Cochise County Republican Party HQ. I have not met a single Republican in his district that supports him beyond a small cabal of RINOs that are infesting the party down here. I don't know who is voting for him in the primaries because no one I know wants anything to do with him.

His fiscal conservatism is questionable. His social conservatism does not exist. He does not, in any way, reflect any traditional Republican values. He is a RINO of the first degree. He is so bad that his Republican brother just recently came out against him in the newspaper and declared that Kolbe does not represent Cochise County, Rep. Tom Tancredo does.

Follow the embedded links. They help tell the story. Kolbe must go. He does not represent the people of his district and is a despicable individual.

Interesting take and since you are from Arizona, you probably have a better take. I am from WA and obviously don't have a complete take on the situation, but I too know a number of his constituents and they love them...but many of them are Democrats (although conservative Democrats). Others are Republicans and I don't view them to be RINOs, but I am often accused of being one and I have a hard time finding a true definition of a RINO. Most be someone who is more accepting, moderate-viewed, and accept differences in people's views as diversity and a learning opportunity. I honestly appreciate your take and the time you took to put it together.

On a second note, I find it interesting that you cite the late Ezra T. Benson on your profile page. A good man, but I tend to like the mild manner of Spencer W. Kimball a little better, but that could be my compassionate conservative take. As you seem to be LDS (but I won't make the assumption as many non-LDS admirers of the man abound), have you seen the most recent Mormon informercials that seem to promote tolerance and acceptance to homosexuals? I really struggle with this as an LDS person whose brother (former LDS) is out of the closet gay and I still love him. I also knew many former members who served missions, grew up in the church, and struggle with this issue. The Bible condemns the practice...but "Jesus says love everyone" and to "Love the man, but hate the sin".