Stockholm Syndrome?

I just read a great "shout out" to Rep. Katherine Harris (R-FL) concerning her bid to be the GOP candidate for U.S. Senate--I completely agree with pollster Kelly Anne Conway, the author. As I read the article, I thought of the "Stockholm Syndrome" and how Conservatives, particularly Republican Conservatives, so frequently adopt the views of our captors--to wit, the MSM, when it comes to "popular opinion." I say phooey on those in the GOP who are so eager to "pick winners" and pitch principle in primaries--Sen. Lincoln Chafee comes to mind. Why is that Republicans so often look like battered women, abused children or kidnapped brides when it comes to supporting candidates?