...if we weren't facing a huge fiscal mess of a deficit, then I wouldn't necessarily oppose a well-formed government-run health care option that competed [Whoa! STOP]

Do you mean like Amtrack and the Post Office?

I oppose the Arizona immigration law, not because I don't think that we need to crack down on illegal immigration (we do), but because I am concerned with what will happen when we localize immigration issues.

Well, here's how the same people that you want to run healthcare are doing at the federal level with this wetback.  Also 'splains to me how his goddam lawyer hasn't been disbarred?  Illegal aliens ARE a local issue.

Seth, with what you write, you're really not winning the argument for anyone wanting to attract Independents.  If you think Johnny 'Reach across the aisle' McAmnesty was least moderate and Dubya was a Conservative then the GOP is truly f#@%ed.