Rebel Without a Republican Cause

Remember the days when Republicans marched to the beat of Karl Rove's drum? Those days are long gone. Now, in the wake of the teabag protests, a rift is emerging between more moderate Republicans and hardliners on social issues like gay marriage. The party is generally divided between the GOP higher-ups inside the beltway and the "rank and file" Republicans. "There is a sense of rebellion brewing," one South Carolina Republican told Politico. Slowly but surely, Republicans like John McCain and the governor of Utah have pushed for their party to step away from hot button social issues. But many are not on board and aim to tap into the fervor that still exists over immigration, taxes and gay marriage, despite the fact that many experts say far-right candidates are no longer politically viable.