Buck...
The socialists were kicked out for BEING socialists and pushing socialist ideas. This is more important right now than anything else. What's also important is that Republicans are being held up to the same scrutiny on these issues as Democrats. If they fall off the wagon, there are more conservatives in the wings to replace them in 2012.
The media are going to be attacking the Republican congress without letup. But that didn't work that well prior to the election. It's possible they aren't in the drivers seat anymore.