The new START treaty, which limits the ability of the United States to defend itself, will be ratified by the Senate today — with the support of numerous Republicans.

The hurdle for ratification seemed impossible at first: Reid would need to gain the support of nine Republicans. And really, what Republican in his right mind would vote to shove a defense-limiting treaty through the Senate in a lame duck session? It would be stupid.

Ah, but never underestimate the willingness of get-along Republicans to vote against the interests of their country in order to be part of the “cool kids” on the left. Snowe, Collins, Brown, Corker, Alexander, Bennett, Lugar — all lined up to prioritize handing a foreign policy “accomplishment” to Obama over the national security of the United States.

Now, Rich Lowry hears that as many as 75 Senators could end up voting for ratification. That would mean as many as 17 Republicans could cross the aisle to help Democrats ram a bad treaty through the Senate. To quote Lowry:

As the sense builds that ratification is inevitable, Republicans are lining up to get on the “right side.”

And there’s the problem. Instead of standing on principle, Republicans line up to be on the winning side — even if the winning side is wrong. Because it’s more important to get a friendly handshake from Harry Reid than stand up for the right policy.

Any Republican who votes for ratification must face a serious primary challenge in 2012. And I’ll pledge the first $250 to the first serious Republican to challenge a ratifier. I encourage other conservatives to join me.