Attempting to mount a weak defense isn't really working for you.
Bottom line is that far more loony religious kooks are contained within the GOP and expect the party to pander to them every election year. Which isn't exactly working out great for them right now. Combine that with the fact that the old party members and religious zealots in general are dying out (or going to jail) and you have the making of a void within that party that isn't being filled by their current recruiting methods.
But perhaps since none of our answers worked, you can tell us why the "base" continues to be catered to?