THE BEAT GOES ON - GOP IS HEADED FOR A "BIG-TIME" BEAT DOWN

The steady drum beat goes on in the background.

Rep. Sen. Jeff Falke (AZ) - who just a short while ago had a favorable poll rating has now eclipsed his fellow U.S. Rep. Senator, Mitch McConnell (KY) for the dubious distinction of the U.S. Senator with the most unfavorable polling numbers.

The reason: Flake's recent "no" vote on universal background checks.

70% of Arizonans are in favor of gun purchase background checks. Probably the same figure could also be used nat'lly for immigration reform.  90% of Americans are in favor of background checks for gun purchases.

So, for the current two most high-profile national issues, it would seem that the rapidly changed circumstances GOP Senator Flake finds himself in is symptomatic of the circumstances the GOP establishment finds itself in.

On immigration reform, the GOP, contrary to some of its Congressional members' recent statements, will most likely stand in the way of any reform as the House of Rep. will not - in all likelihood - be able to muster up a majority to pass such legislation.

On gun purchase background checks which already has the backing of 90% of the American public, the GOP will mirror their performance thus far on immigration reform efforts.

All in all, another year of drif on such major national issues as these on top of the up and down efforts to craft sensible, workable and sane deficit legislation will only result in a purge in Congress - especially the House - of current sitting Repubs.

Grover Norquist, Karl Rove, David/Charles Koch, Dick Armey, John Boehner, Tea Party adherents and the like, start packing your backs after November-2014. The GOP as a brand name now ranks with the Edsel.