It's quite simple: They don't believe what we believe.
They are creatures of Washington. They want to run the government, sure. But they'd prefer running a big government over running a smaller government.
When you boil the problem down, it amounts to Washington vs The Rest Of Us.
I agree. But I was writing in response to a post about the Republicans having better success in elections when they govern conservatively — or at least pretend to.
Oh yes, there is a gulf between me and the current GOPe and it appears never the twain shall meet. I hope they prove me wrong, in a good way.