In 1854, the new Michigan Republican Party wrote nobly in its platform:
[I]n view of the necessity of battling for the first principles of republican government, and against the schemes of aristocracy the most revolting and oppressive with which the earth was ever cursed, or man debased, we will co-operate and be known as Republicans until the contest be terminated.
Given their 21st-century luminaries -- Michele Bachmann, Rick Perry, Sarah Palin, Newt Gingrich and a host of similar grovelers before the New Aristocracy -- shall we conclude the contest is terminated?