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