I should add my theory above can correct for the tea party and 4 years of relative thumb twiddling by acknowledging how insanely unpopular let still appreciated by the core republican voters bush was.
Ever ideological move they have made to make a comeback has been both at the allowance of it to rise to prominence in the party, largely cynical. But also hugely popular with the public.
Things are going to go downhill enough, they'll be some major issue the government won't be able to follow the popular zietguiest on and they'll jump on it.
In opposition remember, you don't really have to follow up your ideas by governing. It's the P.R high ground, it also allows you to test the water with all kinds of crap. Find what sticks after a few years and run with that.