Craig, I think that by using the term "big tent", that pretty much says we're NOT talking about a fringe....
....I read references to Scott Walker as a RINO, which almost caused me to fall off my chair. Walker, whatever else you may think of him--and he was never one of my top choices....
....If Walker's a RINO and he's going to be pushed out of the tent because he's not conservative enough, then the Republican Party is in very serious trouble.
Two food for thought comments if it's okay. First, the left wing allows the most vile of their fringe into their tent and demands that they help write policy at the highest level. But, reviewing those particulars would certainly be beating the ole dead horse.
Second, I can appreciate your Walker thoughts, but is it put into practice? What do we make of those who claim to be on the high road, but would write similar of an actual candidate, not just an example? Aren't 'we' in trouble if decorum and civility means a 'never' vote chalks one for the other tent.