I am a conservative and an Independent.
I'm all for the Tea Party being a separate third party that would then vet out alliances from both established parties with those that are disenfranchised with the socialism found in either political direction.
Forging the alliance by voting in unity against that which is immoral and unconstitutional. I see no hope in reeling in the Republican party from socialism from within the party. I see external, i.e. Tea Party/third, pressure as a means to a truly conservative end. IMHO. Puckster
The GOP has sub-parties in it, as would still the Democrats if they weren’t so naziesquely regimented. The practical politics seems to be for Tea Parties to try to establish presence and followings in the GOP rather than being spoilers.