He is loved by Republicans because Bush Jr is considered one of the worst presidents of all time. Bush Sr 4 years are pretty forgettable. Ford's 3 years are even more forgettable. Nixon's 5-6 years still till this day brings up negative connotations. And in this political climate, Ike would be called a liberal that sold out the party. So pretty much Reagan is the poster child for the Republican party by default.
