the republican party had a progressive element, typified in the early 20th century by theodore roosevelt in the 1907–1912 period (roosevelt was more conservative at other points), senator robert m. la follette, sr. and his sons in wisconsin (from about 1900 to 1946) and western leaders such as senator hiram johnson in california, senator george w. norris in nebraska, senator bronson m. cutting in new mexico, congresswoman jeannette rankin in montana and senator william borah in idaho. they were generally progressive in domestic policy, supported unions and supported much of the new deal, but were isolationist in foreign policy. this element died out by the 1940s. outside congress, of the leaders who supported theodore roosevelt in 1912, most opposed the new deal.