Republicans - Factions

Moderates/RINOs/Main Street Republicans

Key members

Lisa Murkowski

Influences

Susan Collins

Rob Portman

This faction, whilst it has declined in significance in recent years, was most prominent in more liberal areas such as the north east and the west coast

Positions on key issues

Tend to be somewhat fiscall conservative - arguing for lower taxation and federal spending and more business-friendly policy

Moderate Republicans take a more liberal outlook on social issues, characterised by a greater acceptance of tolerance of more liberal views on the issues of rights – In 2018, two Republican representatives opposed a provision that would ban abortion after 20 weeks, whilst 4 others in Congress supported LGBTQ+ rights, e.g. same sex marriage.

Tend to share similar views on welfare with Moderate/Conservative Democrats - favouring 'workfare' over unconditional welfare

Fiscal conservatives

Key members

Donald Trump

Mitch McConnell

Influences

Influenced by classical liberal ideas regarding the economy - e.g. Adam Smith who advocates for minimal state intervention

Tend to support the notion that individuals ought to be self sufficient - similar to Smiles' writing in Self Help

Positions on key issues

In favour of reducing taxation and federal expenditrue

Against regulations that put strain on businesses

Many take a protectionist approach to trade - arguing that deals ought to be negotiated in the US's favour

Typically anti union

Fiscal conservatives vary significantly on social and moral issues - many are not overly concerned by tthese

Opposed to the expansion of state involvement in healthcare and education

Social conservatives

Key members

Ted Cruz

Mike Pence

Influences

Many social conservatives are influenced by their faith, with their positions on many contentious social and moral issues being informed by religion

Positions on key issues

Largely opposed to abortion, with many basing this position on the notion that life starts at inception, and thus abortion is immoral

Largely opposed to the advancement of LGBT rights, arguing in favour of the preservation of 'traditional values'

In favour of gun rights and the use of the death penalty

Opposed to increased state involvement in healthcare provision