I am a social conservative. I don't voter for politicians who support abortion. I don't support homosexual marriage.
I am also a fiscal conservative.
I believe that smaller government will lead to more social conservatism (if Uncle Sugar won't rescue people, people will make better choices).
I believe that more social conservatism will lead to smaller government (if I take responsibility for myself, why do I need a big government?)
These things are linked and while they could be pursued in parallel, they can also each be used as a starting place to get to the other. Given the financial crisis, I think that the Tea Party's emphasis on fiscal conservatism makes sense and is a good starting point. I believe this is an easier "sell" to the voters right now. I also believe that it will eventually help us achieve more social conservarism.
I don't see a problem with the Tea Party not also emphasizing social issues.
It is also important to remember that if we are to eventually win the budget/debt battles we are going to have to bring the young (21-35y/o) voters on board. This a group that overwhelmingly voted for O’bama in 2008 and as a group could care less if gays marry and are not fanatics on the life question. They are, however, very concerned about their wallets. We have to get this group to understand that they are the ones who will be paying the bills for all this huge debt O’bama is accumulating.
On a side note many of them change their views on the other two issues after they marry and have children of their own.