Political malpractice in GOP primaries

One casualty may be policy votes in Congress. Many national Republicans have been voting better in recent years partly for fear of a primary. Should they bother any more, seeing the caliber of likely opponents?

There’s also damage to Republican hopes of retaking the Senate. While most of these outsiders will lose, they’ve bloodied incumbents. And if they win? One of the closest races is Mississippi, where Mr. McDaniel (despite his press problems) continues to dog Sen. Cochran—who has years of overspending to answer for. Note that the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee hasn’t said boo about the McDaniel radio comments. Why? He’ll be easier to beat than the incumbent, and Democrats would have plenty by way of the race card (“Mamacita”) to play in a general election.

Conservatives might ask if this is evidence of a failed business model. Prior to a few elections ago, the holding of conservatives to standards was a job primarily done—and done well—by groups with specific expertise: The National Rifle Association, the National Right to Life Committee, Americans for Tax Reform. These organizations spent decades building their political credibility, by cultivating the grass-roots and then by clearly and fairly delineating what is expected of politicians. Sign the anti-tax pledge. Don’t vote for “assault weapons” bans. Don’t support federal financing of abortions.