A moment, please, to remember the Republicans.

You recall the Republican Party, those intrepid souls who favored lower taxes, decreased federal spending and limited government? The party, that when left unfettered under George W. Bush, spent like drunken sailors, expanded government and intruded into personal liberty?

Thoroughly defeated in the November election, the Republicans now are attempting to find their way back from oblivion.

Toward that end, the congressional end of the party threw hissy fits over President Barack Obama's stimulus package, resembling nothing so much as a toddler screaming, "no" repeatedly with no other solutions in mind. To every problem, they shouted, "tax cuts," with only the Republican governors willing to sit down and discuss the thorny economic problems like grown-ups.

As bad as the Republican Party meltdown has become, last week's Conservative Political Action Committee convention — a gathering of the big shots of conservatism — was so laughable as to be frightening.

From U.S. Rep. Michelle Bauchman greeting her party's new, African American chairman with — and this is not a joke — "you be da man" to the appearance of Joe the Plumber, the conservatives' conference resembled an off-night on Saturday Night Live. The most celebrated speaker was a 13-year-old boy.

Republicans are slipping into farce, and that's not good either for conservatism or the country.

CPAC ended with an 80-minute tirade by radio host Rush Limbaugh, now the de-facto head of the party — a rule by sound bite and intimidation.

Republican National Committee chair, Michael Steele ("da man") dared to criticize Limbaugh in a subsequent interview after the convention, calling him an "entertainer" whose show is sometimes "ugly" and "incendiary." That denunciation lasted just a day before, Steele, like other Republicans before him, was forced to apologize to Limbaugh — who has famously said he hopes President Obama fails.

Democrats, as they watch their rivals unravel, shouldn't gloat. For one thing, it is when a movement hits bottom that the recovery begins. Secondly, thoughtful conservatism needs to be a part of the debate over the United States' future now taking place in Washington and across the nation.

Opposition — principled, intellectually rigorous opposition — is good for everyone. It will make Obama defend and explain his proposals, inspire citizens to sit up and take notice and could result in better solutions for all of us.

But the party of Limbaugh, the party of no, the party whose criticism is focused on Obama's supposed socialist agenda is not the serious player this country needs right now.

Wish then, for a re-invigorated Republican Party, with leaders, ideas and a disdain for sound bites. Here's an idea. Start this reinvention in New Mexico, where Democrats should be vulnerable.

After all, the state's majority party is dealing with pay-to-play accusations, charges of cronyism and worries about official incompetence. What an opportunity — for a Republican Party that cuts loose from its fringe and recaptures some common sense. Don't hold your breath — a reasoned party might make Rush Limbaugh mad, and today's Republicans can't have that.