http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/14/us/gop-moving-to-ease-stance-on-sentencing.html?src=me

Is this article showing more of a shift in Republican ideas? Often known for their tough on crime stance, Republicans seem to be easing up on mandatory minimum sentencing to save money. Is this a foreshadowing and reflection of the ease up on Republican ideas? This trend seems to be following as the GOP seems to be backing away from the majority of their major issues, including immigration as a major player. The article talks about the penal system not doing it’s job. This brings into question the sentencing for the ‘war on drugs’ which Republicans are so active in. As marijuana is beginning to become legalized, is this potentially a step to Republicans agreeing with decriminalizing the drug in order to save money?