The constant "God is great", "Gays are evil", "The Earth is only 2,000 years old", etc. horseshit completely alienates them from independent and Dem voters.
The Republicans need to realize that small government also means getting the fuck out of our personal business. Meaning, they shouldn't be passing laws telling me how to act, who to marry, how to have sex, etc.
“Activism is a way for useless people to feel important, even if the consequences of their activism are counterproductive for those they claim to be helping and damaging to the fabric of society as a whole.” - Dr Thomas Sowell
Honestly, Romney seems the best candidate. It kinda hurts to say that, but I think it's true. Ron Paul would be nice, but he cannot win, and he cannot do anything in politics with his world view.