[nkluksda]

This is not meant to be a direct attack, Gun-totin Liberal, but if my tact and diplomacy are rusty, I beg your indulgence.

Many decent conservative Democrats have run and won office to DC. The biggest problem as I see it with the Democrat party is that the leadership rule the parties in both the House and Senate with an iron fist. If the leadership is for an issue, it doesn't really matter how an individual senator or representative ran - they will be called to the office and have the facts of life explained to them. You want to serve on good committees or chair one? You want party help to get re-elected? Then you vote our way. If the leadership doesn't like something, then those who ran 'for it' get their minds changed. If the leadership is for something (like an AWB), then those who ran on gun rights will get their minds changed. Occasionally, the rank and file are given permission to vote against the leadership - to show the voters that they are still with them on critical issues. Witness the drilling restrictions - the public by a 70% margin (not total, margin!) wanted to resume drilling so we could assure a better supply at reduced costs. Some Democrats were given permission to speak in favor of new drilling, and Pelosi kept that off the floor for weeks. Notice that all of those who were suddenly in favor of drilling were from potentially vulnerable districts. The 'safe' very liberal districts didn't have ANYONE speaking in favor of renewing drilling.

Compare that to the Republicans. DeLay knew how to be a good whip. The rest of them, while being accused of organizing a "vast right-wing conspiracy" are actually incapable of organizing a successful back-yard barbecue.