Won? Yes, they won the 2010 elections, more than any other single group, entity, movement, person, indeed they did. No doubt.
Does that mean every day is a tea party win? No, but that’s an absurd standard.
Does that mean final victory? No, but that’s never the case.
Does that mean they won everything? No, never claimed such.
Does it mean that how they won is a fabulous lesson when compared to the Bush, Rove recipe? DAMNED RIGHT IT DOES, and that’s the point.