One reason is the public rectal exam of “opposition research” by the power at any cost dems, which has been gleefully adopted by the GOPe.
There are many capable conservatives who do not wish to be forced to bend over and grab their knees on TV. Most truly intelligent conservative who has any business experience is smart to stay away from national politics.
My Senator, Ted Cruz as well as Rand Paul and Marco Rubio are exceptions. Either they have no skeletons or are confident they can defend their life since one day old. Each of these were raised by parents who experienced harsh political adversity like Castro, who taught their sons to be be strong and speak their minds with bravery and do the right things in spite of the tsunami of smears and persecution bound their way.
Agree, but on the other hand, we have the horse's ass, old-guard, status quo, has-beens like McCain and Graham who try to knock down the new guys at every turn. Sad.