GOP warns of interpreting wins as mandates

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- The Republican Party, flush from winning two governorships, is waging an internal battle over how to reclaim control in the U.S. Congress, party leaders said.

With the 2010 midterm elections looming and gubernatorial wins in Virginia and New Jersey behind them, GOP moderates and conservatives across the country turn to battles for crucial votes in state primaries and the general election, The Washington Post reported Thursday.

Conservatives were buoyed by their ability to have driven out a more moderate Republican from a New York congressional race -- won by a Democrat -- saying they would challenge any Republican candidate they deem too moderate for their taste.

How well the GOP does in next year's midterm elections may lie in its ability to turn voter discontent into votes for Republican candidates, strategists told the Post. However, some party leaders expressed concern that potentially electable moderates could be damaged if they yield to the conservative base.

Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, warned bruising primaries could leave eventual nominees "broke and bloody."

"We need to temper our conservative approach with pragmatism," he said. "I don't think Republicans can rest on their laurels and just sort of enjoy this, because I think there is a significant anti-Washington component of this, and the grass roots around the country want to know: 'Who are you listening to? Are you listening to us, or are you listening to some party elites in Washington?'"