Internal conflicts and power struggles have become hallmarks of the modern GOP

By JULIE CARR SMYTH and NICHOLAS RICCARDI
Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Dysfunction within the Republican Party isn’t limited to the leadership chaos in the House of Representatives playing out in the nation’s capital. The GOP insurgent forces that increasingly steer the direction of the party also have gained strength in numerous state legislatures and in state Republican Parties. That has led to general election losses in some states and has ground lawmaking to a virtual halt in some legislatures where Republicans are in the majority. The internal tussle over who will become House speaker exemplifies the perpetual chaos inside GOP ranks, a dynamic that has been on display in the states for years.