I realize that, probably agree with it. But it seems to work for leftists, who run for mayor and CC in big cities on a bunch of cultural issues, and win with it. The town turns into a dump (look at Austin), but it doesn't impact their re-election, and doesn't hurt the party on a national basis.
Fact is, the Democrat party is far more successful than the Republican party is. Maybe it's time to see what's worked out for them, and copy some of those behaviors, even when at first pass, they don't seem to be relevant or useful.