There are a lot of bad feelings among factions on the right and the annual CPAC conference, getting underway tomorrow outside of Washington, and it isn't likely there will be a meeting of the minds. Reuters has an interesting preview: Party leaders are in the throes of a debate over whether their ideas need to change to appeal to a wider swathe of the electorate. Those who argue for a new focus say they see hope in lawmakers who are working for immigration reform in Congress. "When you've lost the popular vote in five of the last six presidential elections, it's a mirage to believe that the message is great and it's just been communicated ineffectively," said Republican pollster Whit Ayres. In an interview, Cardenas said the party needs to offer a bolder brand of conservatism. At the same time, he wants to emphasize the openness of the movement. The number of African-American and Hispanic speakers this year will be greater than any previous year, he said. Meanwhile, the...(Read Full Post)