Liberal bias in academia? Blame the Republicans. (But of course!)

Jonathan Chait (writing in the LA Times) blames the Republicans for liberal bias in academia:

A few weeks ago, a pair of studies found that Democrats vastly outnumbered Republicans among professors at leading universities. Conservatives gleefully seized upon this to once again flagellate academia for its liberal bias.

Am I the only person who fails to understand why conservatives see this finding as vindication? After all, these studies show that some of the best-educated, most-informed people in the country overwhelmingly reject the GOP. Why is this seen as an indictment of academia, rather than as an indictment of the Republican Party?

Professor Stephen Bainbridge dissents:

In sum, Chait reveals himself to be woefully ignorant of both the academy and conservatives.

(Via Patterico.)

Note: For more points of view on liberalism in academia, see this post (below) or simply scroll down.