Should thier be a litmus test to join the political parties?

[Giant Saguaro]

I don't see that there would be a point in it. There are regional differences in parties, for one thing - which is a problem the Dems are facing right now, i.e., the difference between the Dems in the northeast and the south and midwest. There are differences in GOPers in these regions as well and the west coast too. People join political parties for all different reasons, I think, so I don't think it would be a good idea for there to be one reason or one set of guidelines under which you join a party. Furthermore, people can change - in that even they'd be askes to leave or maybe not. No, I don't think it would serve much purpose.

Just listen to the positions the candidates take and go in that direction, I say, regardless of party.