The Republican party, despite a brief flirtation with constitutionalism and minimal government philosophy, in the middle of the 20th century, returned to its government/regulation increasing roots decades ago. That's why I have never voted for a Republican for president, and take every opportunity to ridicule my auxiliary sister's blind affection for Reagan based solely on his campaign speeches and writing off every single contradictory action of his presidency as the fault of bad advisers or a Democratic Congress.