Conservatives fear increase of dissent in the ranks (80?competitive House

[papau]

RW membership rolls/donations down, Gingrich worries about RW corruption allegations, new conservative books coming out titled ''Can This Party Be Saved?" and ''Imposter: How George W. Bush Bankrupted America and Betrayed the Reagan Legacy," and the number of House seats considered competitive moves from 40 to 80 - CAN WE SAY THE SKY IS FALLING??? :-)

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2005/10/24/conservatives_fear_increase_of_dissent_in_the_ranks/

Conservatives fear increase of dissent in the ranks
Some say divisions could weaken party
By Nina J. Easton, Globe Staff | October 24, 2005

WASHINGTON -- <snip>The conservative movement was "on an upward path, even after the 2004 elections, but the growth has stopped," said Weyrich, chairman of the Free Congress Foundation.

"People now say, 'I'm not sure that this is the right gang to belong to,' " Weyrich, who runs a weekly strategy session, said last week. That "gang" is the White House and GOP leadership, both of which rely on a loyal cadre of self-described conservatives to win elections. A disgruntled base that stays home on election day could fuel Democratic gains in Congress.

<snip>"The persuasion part of winning elections is over," said GOP pollster Alexander P. Gage. "It's all about mobilization."

Some analysts say disenchantment on the right could double the number of House seats considered competitive from 40 to 80.<snip>