The last thing Republicans want is for their public policy positions to be on the front pages of the papers...

Very telling quote from  Representative Jack Kingston, a Georgia Republican, on Boehner caving in to the Payroll Tax cut:

Though most House Republicans still want a yearlong deal, Kingston said that it was time for the party to move forward. “This takes the whole thing off the front page and that’s a good thing,” he said.

The GOP will always be on the defense when the public is actually tuned in to whats under discussion.  The core conservative position that the lower classes--the poor, minorities, everyday working people--the hoi polloi are to be kept down, and in their place; and only wealth and power are to receive government help is one that in the end doesn't play well on the front pages of the newspapers.

Boehner Signs On to Payroll Tax Deal Amid Isolation, Attacks - Businessweek