"Whether it's funny or not, there might be a die-hard Republican in Orange County saying, 'Nope, I'm not going to vote for you."'

"Many of our clients are die-hard Republicans who don't want government interfering in their lives."

Some Republicans even say that he could draw large amounts, perhaps through mail and Internet solicitations, from die-hard Republicans who subscribe to his defense.

Cuban immigrants have traditionally been die-hard Republicans, because that party takes a harder line than the Democrats against Fidel Castro.

Even die-hard Republicans admit to a little surge in state pride.

But that would run the risk of losing a great attraction for die-hard Republicans: her Washington-be-damned kudos as an outsider.

Although a die-hard Republican, Derby often referred to herself as "a liberal Republican."

Her father, John S. Palmer, who called himself a die-hard Republican, disagreed.

Her gushing over her wealthy customer was obsequious enough to turn die-hard Republicans into committed Communists.

The excitement among die-hard Republicans was evident one recent afternoon at the Saginaw County Republican headquarters in Michigan.