Posted on 11/05/2010 2:38:45 PM PDT by Grandma Conservative
After Tuesday's historic election, the Tea Party may be just getting started.
More than 30 Tea Party-supported candidates seized victory on Tuesday as Republicans captured the House and diminished the Democratic majority in the Senate. Among the winners in the Senate were Rand Paul in Kentucky, Marco Rubio in Florida, Mike Lee in Utah and Pat Toomey in Pennsylvania.
But anything could happen from now until the presidential election in 2012, and it remains to be seen whether a movement that prides itself on being outside the establishment will front its own Tea Party presidential candidate, revolutionize the Republican Party or merely fade back into the background.
Leading Tea Partiers vowed to keep up the pressure on their favored new lawmakers to fight a Washington establishment they say is broken and doesn't work for the best interests of the American people. That could make trouble for congressional leaders who need compromise and dealmaking to get any work done.
Several Tea Party winners said in interviews that they were reaching out to one another in the wake of the elections to form a coalition based on their conservative principles. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., had formed a Tea Party caucus this summer with a couple dozen members, but it's unclear whether freshmen lawmakers with Tea Party backing would join her group or start one of their own.
A spokesman for Bachmann told FoxNews.com that her caucus has 52 members, and they are expecting "a huge boost when the new Congress meets." One aim is to prevent Tea Party members of Congress from getting "co-opted by the establishment."
Tea Party leaders face a similar choice: establish their own political party or work within the Republican Party at the risk of being co-opted or touching off clashes.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
That's the way I want to see the Tea Party go.
After that they will go after LibAcademia, LibMedia, & the LibLawyers (ACLU & SPLC) and the rest of their ilk
Before they move on to that, they should scare the wits out of the Republican house leadership for good measure.
They should be looking for 2012 challengers in all districts, including those of Republican incumbents.
Three days have already passed, and Nov. 2012 is coming fast. Conservatives need to find and field solid folks for everything from the local school board to the oval office.
Right now is a good time to get involved locally in pre-primary functions, not only in the Republican machinery, but also the Dem conferences.
There are going to be many Dem and RINO senators up for re-election in 2012. Now is the time to find the strongest opponents available to enter those races.
But first, we have to pray for our nation’s soul.
I hope they’re not really looking ahead to 2012... there’s a LOT of work to be done with the newly elected majority in the House. The backers of the Tea Party candidates now need to hold them, and the other GOP members of Congress, accountable.
If you don’t do the will of the people over the next two years, YOU will be out of a job - we’ll find someone else to take your place. The Tea Party activists can help you lose your job just as much as we helped you win it.
Let’s get started!
California-Dianne Feinstein
Four-term Senator Dianne Feinstein was re-elected with 59% of the vote in 2006. At a rally for Barbara Boxer in October 2010, Feinstein said that she will be running for reelection.
Delaware-Tom Carper
Two-term Senator Tom Carper was reelected with 70% of the vote in 2006. There have been unconfirmed reports that Carper is suffering from a health problem. Carper has denied it, but has made statements to the effect that he might not run for reelection.
Florida-Bill Nelson
Two-term Senator Bill Nelson was reelected with 60% of the vote in 2006. He will be 70 years old in 2012. Appointed Republican Senator George LeMieux, who currently serves with Nelson is being discussed as someone who may challenge Nelson in 2012. A poll conducted in July, 2010 showed Nelson leading LeMieux 49-28% with 23% undecided. Nelson also led former Governor Jeb Bush by a smaller margin of 46-44% with 9% undecided and a margin of error of ±3.26%.
Hawaii-Daniel Akaka
Four-term Senator Daniel Akaka was re-elected with 62% of the vote in 2006. He will be 88 years old in 2012. Former Congressman Ed Case, who unsuccessfully ran against Akaka in the 2006 Senate election, has hinted that he might run for Akaka’s seat in 2012, and he has already started fundraising for such a run. Republican Governor of Hawaii Linda Lingle, who is term limited in 2010, said in October 2010 that she would “likely take a look at” the race.
Maryland-Ben Cardin
First-term Senator Ben Cardin was elected with 54% of the vote in 2006 against former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele. He will be 69 years old in 2012. According to a Public Policy Polling survey conducted of 569 voters from July 10–12, 2010, in a potential rematch of 2006, Cardin leads Steele 58% to 28%. In a generic matchup, Cardin leads with 51%, to an unknown generic Republican at 33%.
Michigan-Debbie Stabenow
Two-term Senator Debbie Stabenow was re-elected in 2006 with 57% of the vote to 41% for Oakland County Sheriff and former State Senate Majority Leader Michael Bouchard after narrowly defeating Republican incumbent Spencer Abraham in 2000. Republican Conservative Constitutionalist and Tea Party Activist, Chad Dewey, announced his intent to run in the 2012 election while attending the Tax Day Tea Party event in Washington D.C. on April 15, 2010. A poll conducted in March 2010 showed former Republican Governor John Engler leading Stabenow, 42% to 41%, with a margin of error of ±4% and 10% unsure. Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land is looking at running.
Minnesota-Amy Klobuchar
First-term Senator Amy Klobuchar was elected with 58% of the vote in 2006. Senator Klobuchar’s approval ratings, last reported at 59%, have steadily risen since her election in November 2006. Her quick response to the I-35 bridge collapse in her home city of Minneapolis and her travels around the state seem to have kept the senator’s numbers up with the citizens of Minnesota.
Missouri-Claire McCaskill
First-term Senator Claire McCaskill was elected with 49.6% of the vote in 2006, defeating then-incumbent Jim Talent. Missouri is often considered a swing state in presidential elections; it has voted for the winning candidate save twice since 1904; in 1956 and in 2008. McCaskill has never had particularly high approval ratings. In March 2009, her net approval was +5.
Montana-Jon Tester
First-term Senator Jon Tester was elected with 49.2% of the vote in 2006, defeating incumbent Conrad Burns. Tester will seek reelection. Republican Congressman Denny Rehberg has met with party officials about a possible run.
Nebraska-Ben Nelson
Two-term Senator and former Governor Ben Nelson was re-elected with 64% of the vote in 2006. He will be 71 years old in 2012. Nelson has decided to seek a third term. Pundits and analysts have suggested Nelson will be one of the most vulnerable incumbents in 2012 after he secured deals to exempt Nebraska from new Medicaid payments, ease excise taxes on home state health insurance companies, and broker abortion deals in the Senate healthcare bill. State Attorney General Jon Bruning and Treasurer Don Stenberg may run on the Republican ticket. Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman has announced he will not run.
New Jersey-Bob Menendez
First-term Senator Bob Menendez became the first Hispanic Senator to represent New Jersey in January 2006 when Former Senator Jon Corzine appointed him to the office after having resigned to become Governor, following his election to said office in November 2005. In November 2006 Menendez survived a strong challenge from Republican Tom Kean, Jr., son of popular former Governor and 9/11 Commission Chairman Tom Kean and was elected to a full term. He will be 58 years old in 2012. Former CNN Anchor Lou Dobbs is seriously considering a challenge to Menendez as either a Republican or Independent.
New Mexico-Jeff Bingaman
Five-term Senator Jeff Bingaman was re-elected with 71% of the vote in 2006. He will be 69 years old in 2012.
New York-Kirsten Gillibrand
Two-term Senator Hillary Clinton was re-elected with 67% of the vote in 2006. She narrowly lost the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination to Barack Obama. She resigned on January 21, 2009 when the Senate confirmed her as Secretary of State. On January 23, Governor David Paterson appointed Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand to the seat. Gillibrand won a special election in 2010 with 61% of the vote. Gillibrand will seek reelection.
North Dakota-Kent Conrad
Four-term Senator Kent Conrad was re-elected with 69% of the vote in 2006. Conrad has not decided whether to run for reelection.
Ohio-Sherrod Brown
First-term Senator Sherrod Brown was elected with 56% of the vote in 2006, defeating then-incumbent Mike DeWine, whose popularity suffered due to scandals involving former Republican Governor Bob Taft and ex-Congressman Bob Ney. A poll conducted June 26–27 by Public Policy Polling shows that 45% of voters would vote to re-elect Brown, while 41% would vote to replace him. Brown will seek reelection. Republican Congressman Jim Jordan and Ohio Republican Secretary of State nominee Jon Husted have been named as a possible contenders.
Pennsylvania-Bob Casey, Jr.
First-term Senator Bob Casey, Jr., the son of popular former Governor Bob Casey, was elected with 58.7% of the vote in 2006, defeating then-incumbent Rick Santorum. A poll conducted by Public Policy Polling June 19–21, 2010 showed that in a Casey-Santorum rematch, Casey leads 51-39.
Rhode Island-Sheldon Whitehouse
First-term Senator Sheldon Whitehouse was elected with 53.5% of the vote in 2006, defeating then-incumbent Lincoln Chafee by 6 percentage points.
Virginia-Jim Webb
First-term Senator and former Secretary of the Navy Jim Webb was elected to the Senate in 2006 by a margin of .6 percent, defeating then-incumbent George Allen in the biggest upset of the 2006 election. Allen is considering a rematch.
Washington-Maria Cantwell
Two-term Senator Maria Cantwell was re-elected with 57% of the vote in 2006 over Republican Mike McGavick. A poll conducted by Public Policy Polling July 27-August 1, 2010 of 1,204 voters had Cantwell leading in two potential matchups. In a matchup with Republican Congressman Dave Reichert, Cantwell led 47% to 41%. In a matchup with Republican Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Cantwell led 49% to 37%.
West Virginia-Joe Manchin
Former nine-term Senator Robert Byrd, the longest serving U.S. Senator in history, was re-elected with 64.4% of the vote in 2006. He voluntarily stepped down from his chairmanship of the powerful Appropriations Committee, effective January 6, 2009. In a speech on the Senate floor, Sen. Byrd proclaimed that he would remain in the Senate “till this old body drops.” On June 28, 2010, Robert Byrd died at the age of 92, leaving this seat vacant. A special election to fill this seat was held in November 2010, which popular Democratic Governor Joe Manchin won.
Wisconsin-Herb Kohl
Four-term Senator Herb Kohl, owner of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, was re-elected with 67% of the vote in 2006. He will be 77 years old in 2012. Kohl will determine whether he should seek reelection over the next several of months. Congressman Paul Ryan will not run against Kohl if he seeks reelection but will take a look at running for the Senate if Kohl were to retire.
Connecticut-Joe Lieberman
Four-term Senator Joe Lieberman sat as a Democrat until 2006, when he was defeated by Ned Lamont in the Democratic primary. He won re-election with 49.7% of the vote in 2006 as an independent under the Connecticut for Lieberman Party and has since caucused with the Democrats as an “Independent Democrat.” He will be 70 years old in 2012. Connecticut Democratic Congressman Chris Murphy is a potential candidate. Pundits have predicted that due to Lieberman’s unwavering support of John McCain he will be experiencing a tougher race than he normally runs.
Vermont-Bernie Sanders
First-term Senator Bernie Sanders is an independent Senator (and self-described democratic socialist) who caucuses with the Democrats and won election with 65.4% of the vote in 2006 after Jim Jeffords, also an independent, retired. He will be 71 years old in 2012.
Arizona-Jon Kyl
Three-term Senator Jon Kyl was re-elected with 53% of the vote in 2006. He has yet to announce if he will seek a fourth term in 2012, when he will be 70 years old.
Indiana-Richard Lugar
Six-term Senator Richard Lugar was re-elected with 87% of the vote in 2006, running unopposed by a Democrat. When the 111th Congress convened, Lugar became the most senior Republican in the Senate. On August 11, 2010, Lugar announced he expects to run for a 7th term in 2012. He will be 80 years old in 2012.
Maine-Olympia Snowe
Three-term Senator Olympia Snowe was re-elected with 73% of the vote in 2006, the largest margin of any incumbent in 2006, barring Indiana Senator Richard Lugar (who ran without a Democratic opponent). She will be 65 years old in 2012.
Massachusetts-Scott Brown
Eight-term Senator Ted Kennedy was re-elected with 69% of the vote in 2006. However, he wasn’t able to finish his term as he died just before midnight of August 25, 2009 at the age of 77, due to a malignant glioma, a form of brain cancer. Paul G. Kirk was appointed as the interim Senator by Gov. Patrick and was sworn in on September 25, 2009 to serve until a permanent Senator was elected in the Senate special election on January 19, 2010. Republican Scott P. Brown won the election and was sworn in on February 4, 2010. He will be up for election to a full term in 2012. He is the first Republican senator to be elected in Massachusetts since 1972. He won 52% of the vote in the special election.
Mississippi-Roger Wicker
First-term Senator Roger Wicker was appointed after former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott announced on November 26, 2007 that he was going to retire by the end of 2007. Wicker defeated former Governor Ronnie Musgrove in the 2008 special election and will be up for re-election in 2012.
Nevada-John Ensign
Two-term Senator John Ensign was re-elected with 55% of the vote in 2006 against Jack Carter, son of former Democratic President Jimmy Carter. In June 2009, Ensign admitted to an affair that he had with a campaign staffer. Sources also reported blackmail with the husband of the women involved apparently asking Ensign for a substantial amount of money. On July 14, 2009, Ensign announced that he was running for reelection. Republican Representative Dean Heller is rumored to be considering running after declining to run against Nevada’s other senator Harry Reid in 2010. Nevada Democrats are encouraging Representative Shelley Berkley to run for the seat.
Tennessee-Bob Corker
First-term Senator Bob Corker was elected with 50.7% of the vote in 2006. He narrowly defeated Harold Ford, Jr. and has been raising money for re-election since. Country music singer Hank Williams, Jr. has expressed an interest in challenging Corker for the GOP nomination in 2012.
Texas-Kay Bailey Hutchison
Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison was re-elected in 2006 with 62% of the vote despite a poor overall climate for Republicans, who lost control of both chambers of Congress that year. In an interview with Texas Monthly published in December 2007, Hutchison stated that she would not seek re-election and might also resign from the Senate as early as 2009 to run for governor. After losing the gubernatorial primary to incumbent Governor Rick Perry, Hutchison announced that she would serve out the remainder of her term. For the Republicans, Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael L. Williams, Republican fundraiser and former state Secretary of the State Roger Williams, and state Railroad Commissioner Elizabeth Ames Jones are candidates. Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert has also been mentioned as a possible contender for the seat, as well as Greg Abbott and David Dewhurst. Possible Democratic challengers include Bill White, the mayor of Houston, who expressed interest in running for Hutchinson’s Senate seat if she resigns. However, he recently announced his candidacy for Governor of Texas instead. John Sharp, the former state comptroller, has said he will run whenever the seat comes up for an election.
Utah-Orrin Hatch
Six-term Senator and former Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch was re-elected with 62% of the vote in 2006. He will be 78 years old in 2012, and has announced he will run for reelection.
Wyoming-John Barrasso
First-term Senator John Barrasso was appointed to the Senate seat with the passing of Craig L. Thomas and won a special election in 2008 to complete Thomas’s term.
Our local Tea Party is still planning on meeting every week, and we are starting classes to “catch up” on the things either we older folks forgot about our government & civics classes, or things the younger folks were never taught in school. Our goal is to be as well informed about the Constitution and Original Intent as possible so that we can enter the ballot box in 2012 with knowledge and insight to choose the candidates we truly want.
We have Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and Independents in our Tea Party -— ALL seeking a limited Constitutional government with a balanced budget, lower taxes, and spending cuts.
It takes the hard work the Tea Party did in Utah.
Taking over one (or even both) of the major parties from within has by far the highest chance of success. How do you think that Thomas Jefferson’s Democrat Party became what it is today?
I say a Tea Party rally I’m DC when the Lame Duck session starts
THANKS!
He is on my list. I wrote him a warning when he voted in the last activist Judge. He also is a co-author of the Dream Act! Our Tea Party will try to organize with others in Indiana and git-r-done....
Tea Party is now gearing up for 2012 elections.
Tea Party is now gearing up for 2012 elections.
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