I think that it depends on several various factors. Throughout history we have seen ideologies gain a long term “mainstream” status (i.e. Jeffersonian Republicanism, Jacksonian Democracy, Lincoln Republicanism, New Deal coalition, etc…)

All of these have something in common in that they clearly stated their philosophy while putting it in terms that people could understand. When these ideologies received criticism, they did not break under the pressure, as a result they had a significant influence on history.

Many folks I’ve met identify themselves as Democrats or Independents (though they are pro-small-gov’t, and are fiscal conservatives) precisely because they cannot stomach the Ken Cuccinellis of the Republican party. Perhaps on fiscal issues, many of us see eye-to-eye with the AG, but on social issues, he is as far as east from west for most. Republicans must re-learn what Mr. Jefferson said, “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” If we do this, we will find the influx of voters from the Obama backlash doesn’t depart the party by February.