Merlot's cracked when Republican is evicted from lodgings (6)

I believe the answer is:

motels

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'lodgings' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for motels that I've seen before include "accommodation" , "Roadside places to stay" , "Molest (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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