I won’t argue that TP efforts at the Senate level haven’t been anything to crow about. We need to do a better job vetting the folks in that area, no question. But the TP has also been very, very successful in getting conservatives elected to the House. So it is quite premature to say the Tea Party’s run is over.
It does not matter that some of the TEA party candidates have been less-than-stellar, because they DEFEATED the GOP establishment.
So if a less-than-stellar candidate can defeat the GOP selected elite, the DEMS would have no trouble either.
The GOP needs to learn that, and run some good candidates who are ALSO TEA PARTY supported... and not abondone the GOP candidate if they don’t get their chosen guy in there
And...As you pointed out, the TEA Party has had good success with the House. Eventually, some of these politically seasoned representatives will run for the Senate.