As the GOP embraces the reactionary politics and anti-government zealotry of the Tea Party, it is steadily purging “moderates” and empowering extremists. Nothing shows this trend more clearly than the lineup of potential Republican presidential candidates. In order to compete in early caucus and primary states such as Iowa and South Carolina, Republican presidential hopefuls must engage with a voter base that leans significantly farther to the right than the average American voter. Pro-corporate groups, often working outside of the public eye, have invested millions of dollars in creating a political infrastructure that has pushed the party to the extreme fringe, leading candidates to increasingly rely on a small class of mega-donors who seek to bankroll the campaigns of their personal favorites. Candidates are already competing to see who is more skeptical of the science behind climate change, critical of any reform of America’s immigration system or financial industry, and vocal about the dangers of a Big Government that is purportedly crushing religious freedom and bent on seizing people’s guns. As the GOP moves farther to the right, its presidential candidates are moving with it.

Jeb Bush: Staying True to W's Legacy

Ben Carson: From Gifted Neurosurgeon to Tea Party Conspiracy Theorist

Chris Christie: The 'Problem-Solver' Who Left New Jersey a Mess

Ted Cruz: The Tea Party’s Doomsday Prophet

Carly Fiorina: Falling Upward to the White House

Lindsey Graham: Frightening People All the Way to the Presidency

Mike Huckabee: From the Pulpit to the White House, Seeking to Become America’s Pastor in Chief

Bobby Jindal: Champion of the 'Stupid Party'

Rand Paul: The GOP's 'Principled' Flip-Flopper

Rick Perry: God's Candidate for President, This Time...

Marco Rubio: The Tea Party's Prodigal Son

Rick Santorum: A Religious Right Crusader Masquerading As a 'Blue Collar' Conservative

Donald Trump: Foe of Women, Immigrants and ‘Political Correctness'