A group of RNC members have been circulating a list of ten core principles for 2010 Republican candidates.  Called the “Resolution on Reagan’s Unity Principle for Support of Candidates,” the guidelines dictate specific public policy positions candidates should take, such as standing “For retention of the Defense of Marriage Act.”

The LA Times blog reports:

“The goal of the resolution is to take a position … towards reclaiming the Republican Party’s conservative bona fides,” said Committeeman James Bopp, who authored the resolution. “We are open to diverse views. But you have to agree with us most of the time.”

Conservatives like former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin clashed with party officials last month by backing a conservative over the party’s nominee in 23rd Congressional District in New York. The effort to further purify the party ideologically could pose new problems for Chairman Michael Steele as he tries to recruit centrist Republicans to run in congressional districts that lean Democratic.