Republican Frustration

While I have always identified myself as a Republican, I find myself feeling more and more frustrated with the Republican party as of late. I have chosen to support Senator John McCain. It is so frustrating to constantly hear all these stories and commentaries about whether or not Senator McCain is really a conservative. It is leading me to feel alienated by my own party and I am sure that I am not the only one feeling this way.
I'm a young, working professional and graduate student. I am well educated and well informed. I'm a Christian woman that believes in showing empathy and compassion to others. So, it is difficult for me to understand the close-minded ways of thinking of many of these critics. What is wrong with someone thinking for themselves and making decisions based on what they believe is right, even if that at times makes them unpopular? Why is compromise suddenly such an ugly concept, even when it ultimately leads to a desired outcome?
I think it is unrealistic to think that any one candidate will possess everything we are looking for. They all have strengths and weaknesses. I hope that eventually these critics realize how much they're alienating some members of their own party by these derogatory statements.