Original sentence: His recent support of same-sex marriage in Canada legislation may have dampened his hopes, as it puts him heavily at odds with the social conservatives who have great influence in the new party; conversely, it may have helped differentiate him from much of the Tory caucus, casting him as a moderate, and endearing him to what is at least an influential minority of Conservatives who support same-sex marriage
Edited sentence: His recent support of same-sex marriage in Canada legislation may have dampened his hopes, as it puts him heavily at odds with the social conservatives who have great influence in the new party; conversely, it may have helped differentiate him from much of the Tory caucus, casting him as a moderate, and endearing him to what is at least an influential large minority of Conservatives who support equal marriage for same-sex partners