Jewish Republicans

Are there any?

A long time ago, I heard someone say "Being a democrat is like a second religion to American Jews."

It's always been in the back of my head, but I don't really pay it much attention.

I have a lot of Jewish friends and I know a lot of Jewish people. And <b>all</b> of them are either democrats or very left leaning.

I know we've got a couple of you on the Cellar, which serves to make me wonder -

Where are the Jewish Republicans?

Now, see, I find it kind of... <b>weird</b>. Most of the Jews I know support Israel pretty strongly. Only a few are foaming-at-the-mouth rabid supporters of Israel.

Yet it seems to be the Republicans that are supporting Israel. The Democrats don't seem as ardent with regard to support. Why is this? Bush and Sharon are all buddy-buddy, yet I don't know a single Jew who's chanting pro-Bush slogans at protests or has the Bush/Cheney bumper sticker. What's going on here?

I understand that support of Israel isn't the number one issue for a lot of American Jews... so I don't expect it to be the only factor.

This isn't meant as a troll; I'm really looking to explore this issue. So, those of you that can offer input... step up! Let's figure this out. Why do most Jews identify with Democrats? Or is this just a right-wing myth? (Hint: No, it's not.)