While it is true the establishment preferred HW Bush in the primary, they supported and campaigned for Reagan in the general election. The two campaigns don't even compare.
the only reason bush senior was put on the ticket was to unite the party if Reagan had not done that. I am positive that the bush family would of worked behind the scenes to have Reagan loose.
in my opinion the bushes were the worst thing that could of happen to the republican party after Reagan and set us up for the Clinton years and Obama years...yes I did support the bushes but after watching Bush senior and junior prostitute themselves to the Clinton foundation in the raising of money for Haitian relief I had my blinders removed and see them as corrupt as the Clintons but more skilled at hiding there corruption.