I would think you should be asking why the republican party basically dumped one of its newer members?  If we are screwed, it is because the two parties have gotten away from their  roots.  The republicans no longer stand for republican values while democrats are not as gutsy as they once were.  We were one of the first states to legalize abortion and to approve the Equal rights amendment.  Sadly we fell to 14 when it came to same sex marriage  and we still haven't totally legalized marijuana, a plant given us by God on the third day of creation.  Sad.

Come on Democrats start being gutsy again. Republicans are probably hopeless although their new leader is somewhat impressive.  It will be interesting to see if she is actually able to do anything.  I hope she succeeds as real competition will improve both parties.