Lela, the GOP has actively courted and solicited various voting "blocs" with the quid pro quo being political advocacy in return for votes.  An example in the religious sphere is the "Evangelical" vote.  Here in Alaska we see all kinds of political advocacy and legislation that are solidly rooted in faith based agendas such as anti gay marriage, abortion and educational issues that consistently amount to discrimination when enshrined in law.  It is this separation that both mainstream America and the constitution hold has to be separate.  Argue the first point if you will but the current woes of the GOP are traced directly to this and at least 3 others that are at  odds with today's electorate - Immigration, LGBT rights and abortion.  In my ideal world there would be a Centrist choice in the political arena; I don't hew to either side of the political spectrum but choose the best from both.