| | A '''RINO''' ('''R'''epublican '''i'''n '''N'''ame '''O'''nly), also known as a '''Reform Democrat''', is a disparaging term used by immoderate [[Republican Party|Republicans]], opposition [[Democratic Party|Democrats]], or the [[liberal media]]. It is used to characterize an officeholder or candidate who is a member of the [[Republican Party]], but holds views outside the mainstream Republican Party. RINOs and Reform Democrats typically come from [[New England]] states where entrenched Democratic political machines may not allow dissent and opposition so reformers have difficulty gaining ballot access, or from western states or occasionally midwestern states. A similar term is '''cafeteria conservative''', for a person who picks and chooses which [[conservative]] principles to believe, as a person might choose foods in a cafeteria instead of ordering the full-course ''menu'' selected by the chef at high-class restaurants.<ref>[http://www.manp.org/association-spotlight/archives/james-carville-mary-matalin-he-said-she-said James Carville & Mary Matalin: He Said, She Said]</ref> | | A '''RINO''' ('''R'''epublican '''i'''n '''N'''ame '''O'''nly), also known as a '''Reform Democrat''', is a disparaging term used by immoderate [[Republican Party|Republicans]], opposition [[Democratic Party|Democrats]], or the [[liberal media]]. It is used to characterize an officeholder or candidate who is a member of the [[Republican Party]], but holds views outside the mainstream Republican Party. RINOs and Reform Democrats typically come from [[New England]] states where entrenched Democratic political machines may not allow dissent and opposition so reformers have difficulty gaining ballot access, or from western states or occasionally midwestern states. A similar term is '''cafeteria conservative''', for a person who picks and chooses which [[conservative]] principles to believe, as a person might choose foods in a cafeteria instead of ordering the full-course ''menu'' selected by the chef at high-class restaurants.<ref>[http://www.manp.org/association-spotlight/archives/james-carville-mary-matalin-he-said-she-said James Carville & Mary Matalin: He Said, She Said]</ref> |