Conservative influence is weakened by their fanatical “litmus test” requirements for political leaders.Unlike the "litmus test" that you yourself may have, or the Paulites may have (of which you may be one - I don't know) or the "litmus test" anyone may have. We all have our hot button issues. . .doesn't mean the other conservative issues aren't important to us.
Proof: The “religious right” killed the republican party in California and look at what we have now.
How, specifically, did the "religious right" kill the Republican party in CA? By the way, I'm expecting some proof from you, not just an opinion.
There is no way that the majority in California will support a far right “religious right” candidate for any statewide office. The only way the republican party could be successful in California is to be moderate. When you put a DEVISIVE issue such as FREEDOM of choice/birth under any circumstances as a litmus test you will guarantee political failure in the California environment. The proof is in the result: virtual democrat control and resulting failure - even with democrat failure to govern responsibly, they still retain power.