Virginia GOP requires "Loyalty Oaths"

News from CNS:

When voters cast their ballots in Virginia's Feb. 12 Republican presidential primary, they'll be required to sign a document stating they intend to support the party's nominee for president. One conservative leader called it a "bullying tactic," but a nonpartisan election official dismissed the pledge as just "a piece of paper." On Monday, the State Board of Elections approved text to be included with the ballot that states: "You can vote in this presidential primary only if you sign and print your name to the voter pledge below. You will not be permitted to vote if you refuse to do so." The pledge says: "I, the undersigned, pledge that I intend to support the nominee of the Republican Party for president."

This to me is such confirmation that the republicans are scared, nee terrified, that the religious right of the south and midwest will just "stay home" in November if any of the current frontrunners (McCain, Romney, Guiliani) get the nod.