Collision course

Politics | The always uneasy Reagan coalition of libertarian and social conservatives is increasingly under strain. Government growth under President Bush and the rise of the social-conservative agenda, some argue, may push the relationship to the breaking point | Bob Jones

When George W. Bush utters the words "So help me God" shortly after noon on Jan. 20, Washington will briefly become Party Capital, USA. From fireworks to disco balls, fancy soirees to down-home barbecues, Republicans all over town will shed their buttoned-down image to fete four more years of power.

In the midst of the celebrations, however, at least some Republicans will be doing a bit of soul-searching. With the media's sudden discovery of "values voters," another key component of the GOP coalition feels largely overlooked. Libertarian-leaning Republicans—the ones who put small government ahead of godly government—are beginning to wonder if they have a future in the party they have long considered their own.