The dems were in the same mess in years the useless Republicans I listed above won. All those winning Republicans I listed, other than the incumbents, were in the same mess.
It's the system and to a large degree the split cultures of our state.
I have no doubt that if only Repulicans could vote on Republicans and Dem for dems, the Republicans would come out on top in the general election just like they have in every southern state for years.