These corporate welfare programs have traditionally had broad Republican support. Since 2010, though, the GOP has moved away from being reflexively pro-business, and increasingly the party favors free enterprise over special-interest pleading.

Almost half of the party remains firmly planted in the K Street turf of the Bush-era party. Ryan has left that turf for the more economically and politically sound — if less rewarding in fundraising — position of supporting free enterprise.

Will Ryan take the party with him? As House speaker, he will undergo immense pressure from the business lobby to play ball. Past speakers went along with such pressure, in part because it never occurred to them to resist — it was assumed business was always an ally.

Paul Ryan knows better. Can he bring his party with him? Or will K Street and the likes of Fincher keep control over the GOP?