Cruz running on a third party ticket would never have won. But now that the Tea Party candidates are in office they should leave the GOP and start their own party. Then let’s see if the elites will caucus with the democrats.
I’ve always thought the republicans taking over the house only postponed what’s eventually going to happen if the GoP doesn’t grow some balls. If they hadn’t taken control in 2010 I believe the democrats would have taken a bath in 2012.
I think it's still too early for elected members of Congress to break out and join a newly formed third party. There just aren't enough of them in place to form a winning coalition at this point.
On the other hand, if a new patriotic national party forms at the grass roots level, and builds up to a credible level of membership, it could begin sending new members to Congress while attracting many previously elected members to switch over.
Or something like that. The precise sequence of events required to make a success of it aren't boldly visible at this time.
One thing's certain though, and that is, the Republican party is split into opposing factions right now, and the new guard has the winning momentum over the old guard. If we on the true right simply maintain focus and discipline, we will eventually replace all of the quisling RINOs in office with solid TEApublicans.