Core conservative values won't get us anywhere

Given all that, it is hard to see how “returning to core values” enhances the Republicans’ appeal. If that phrase is code for “limited government,” it seems to lack an audience. At present, there is not much clamoring for fiscal austerity, at least not at the expense of other issues. Meanwhile, virulent opposition to immigration reform did the party no good in New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, and California — which all went Democratic at the presidential level and two of which flipped U.S. Senate seats from Republican to Democrat.

And emphasis on social conservatism does not appear sufficient to affect votes for federal offices, even in states where voters approve of socially conservative policies (e.g., Florida voted overwhelmingly against a gay marriage proposal but for Barack Obama). The challenge for Republicans is to maintain a distinctive alternative to liberalism but appeal to a broad cross-section of voters, both ideologically and geographically. Part of that is a policy challenge, but much depends on personnel.