Back when Arlen Specter was a nominal Republican instead of the nominal Democrat he recently became, I opposed having him chair the Judiciary Committee. That wasn’t as punishment –I ‘d have given him another powerful chairmanship — but rather because confirming judges is one of a small handful of issues where party unity truly matters

The trouble there, James is that without ideological unity, Party unity is impossible.

And frankly, James, I'm far from convinced that party unity across the continental nation is an impossible task. The Democrats don't seem to view it that way either, if their actions the last few congresses are of any indication. They're quite willing willing to twist some arms both publicly and privately to get the votes they need to achieve the agenda.... even when they're in the minority. Their voters seem quite willing to push 'mavericks' off the Democrat reservation.
(Example... Jim Trafficant's biggest problem wasn't a any crime committed, but rather than he ran afoul of the Democrat party Agenda. (If the problem was crimes committed, can somebody please explain to me Charlie Rangel and William Jefferson?)

What we have as a GOP leadership who refuses to stand up and be counted. And that, not calls and actions toward ideological unity within the party is why the GOP was relegated to minority status a year ago. It's time for the GOP leadership to develop some spine. Alas, I think the task beyond them.