Rockefeller Republican refers to a faction of the United States Republican Party who held moderate to liberal views similar to those of Nelson Rockefeller. The term largely fell out of use by the end of the twentieth century, and has been replaced by the derisive term RINOs. Many Rockefeller Republicans have since left office, being replaced by either more conservative Republicans or Democrats & left the party altogether, becoming independents & Democrats.
by adirudi November 21, 2009