So, is this the symptom or the cause of the disease that is festering in the GOP? I think it’s a symptom of the lack of direction of the GOP. Those with the most dedicated (committed (in every sense) base are pushing the party in whatever direction they see fit, regardless of the outcome on the party as a whole. Paul has repeatedly shown that he’s got the most committed base, and they’ve got a ground game that is pretty hardy, despite the sound thrashing in the polls.

That’s led him to rack up continued support in lean times for the GOP overall. Paul is in the same ballpark as Rockwell and the other kooks and far right fringe types who think that they’ve got the podium because anyone who might have more moderate views is being thrashed as not being truly sympathetic to the cause.

The conspiracy nuts are doing their best to sink their teeth into the GOP, and there’s no one in the GOP who appears willing or capable of taking the party back from these people. Some may be trying to coopt the Tea Parties from the Paulians, but they haven’t been successful. The GOP has to start putting together a coherent message and stay on point. With Rockwell, Jones, Paul, and the fringe pushing the party message, that’s hard to do - especially since that’s where the media will focus, instead of on the issues that win elections - fiscal responsibility and national security.