Crossword Genius

Republican in a party, fit and winning (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

adorable

'winning' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'republican in a party fit' is the wordplay.
'republican' becomes 'r' (abbreviation).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'party' becomes 'do' (do is a kind of party).
'fit' becomes 'able' (similar in meaning).
'a'+'do'+'able'='adoable'
'r' put within 'adoable' is 'ADORABLE'.

'and' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for adorable that I've seen before include "'Lovable, delightful (8)'" , "Lovely and attractive" , "Winsome" , "winning" , "Cute and cuddly?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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