My opinion is that social issues are kept on tap to polarize voters against making real decisions. We've got a 2-party system--which should only represent 2 of 8/16 real combinations. (There are clear dichotomies when considering economic, social, authoritative, and foreign policies.) Most of the time, you stick yourself into one of those groups and just focus on what you agree upon. If they can frame it nicely to two major, they'll probably cinch the nomination. Most of the time, it's only to economic conservatives and social conservatives. This cycle, there is no standard-bearer for both groups. Libertarians rally around Paul, social conservatives around Santorum, economic conservatives (not to be mistaken with fiscal conservatives) around Romney, and, for Gingrich, those easily impressed by good charisma.
Wait till you have to deal with 134+ various parties.
Welcom to croatia, the last parliamentary elections held last december, had in fact around 134 various different parties and fools be on the national lists. since the country is distributed into 21 "county", + two or three "extra's" for folks who emigrated, have fun with the hilarity and insanity.
