You can read more about the raving loons on Politico, if you care.

For them, moderation or modernization of the party is the blackest, most unforgivable treason.  And no wonder they're livid; Limbaugh stridently preaches hatred to them every day.

These infuriated nitwits are naturally stronger than ever in a shrunken, discredited party -- you don't get nominated without them.  They could support Palin, Gingrich, Huckabee, Limbaugh himself -- not the sinner Romney.

Only Gingrich and possibly Huckabee could appeal to these yahoos, then credibly attempt to moderate in the general. Even that is easier said than done, though; the nutters want nothing less than a sneering, bible-thumping Bush/Palin type to carry forth their racist, ruralist, anti-intellectual banner.  At this stage, all very good news for Dems.