Spence says now there will be plenty of time for intraparty wounds to heal before the general election.

NPR: GOP Faithful in Colo. Reflect Test Ahead for McCain

Sessions says that the competitive nature of the three tiers created greater intraparty competition than he would have liked.

FORBES: As Republicans Take Charge, a Look at How the House Was Won

Republicans voting for a bill containing a large tax increase on the rich, even with the metaphorical gun to their heads, would mark a sea-change in Washington, and possibly cause a major intraparty rift.

FORBES: Why the GOP Will Cave on Taxes If Obama Wins

But rumors of a comeback have intensified since the UMP's confused attempt to elect a successor last November, in which both candidates Francois Fillon and Jean-Francois Cope claimed victory amid intraparty squabbling and allegations of vote-rigging.

CNN: Sarkozy considering return to French politics