I seem to recollect GWB got elected in 2000.
And again in 2004.
I had a vacation with my best friend, a union type Democrat moderate, (he actually does vote Republican sometimes). He complained of the same things that we do. Republicans stand for nothing. Vote for a Republican, and you have no earthly idea what they will do. He said Republicans used to stand for business, lower taxes, small government. Now... well, neither one of us could define a Republican. My friend has proven to be an excellent barometer of the mood in Ohio.
THAT is the Republcan problem, and why 2014 won't be a run away. Even though we're encouraged to vote establishment types who are the poster children for having no idea what you're getting, because winning is what matters. I think winning comes after you define yourself and stick to your own definition.