We’ve heard the argument countless times. A number of politicians, typically non-Tea Party Republicans but also some Democrats in conservative-leaning districts or Republican states, have to tack right to avoid running afoul of grass-roots zealots. They’re necessarily limited in their options and maneuverability. To do otherwise is to invite defeat at the polls.
Do you ever find yourself saying: “So what if you lose? Since when does doing the right thing matter so much less than your incumbency? Take one for Team Integrity. And, by the way, what’s the worst that can happen as a result of losing while standing for something? You become a lobbyist? You go back to chasing ambulances? Deal with it.”