The Republican establishment did not learn their lesson from the absolute debacle that we witnessed this past fall in upstate New York.

I know they haven’t because they are again backing a moderate candidate in another critical Congressional election.

We all remember the rightful firestorm that erupted across the country and throughout upstate New York when, in smoke-filled back rooms, the Washington-based GOP establishment lined up behind the most liberal candidate in a special election for New York’s 23rd Congressional seat.

Only when principled conservatives like former House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-TX), former Sen. Fred Thompson (R-TN), and former Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) put their reputations on the line to oppose the officially-backed GOP candidate did others follow suit, changing that race and inspiring an important debate about the future of the Republican party.