Unease in G.O.P. Over Mississippi Tea Party Anger

nytimes.com ^ | 7/4/14 | Jonathan Weisman

[cotton1706]

WASHINGTON — The stormy aftermath of Mississippi’s Republican Senate runoff has sent Tea Party conservatives around the country to the ramparts, raising the prospect of a prolonged battle that holds the potential to depress conservative turnout in November in Mississippi — and possibly beyond.

The campaign of State Senator Chris McDaniel has formally filed a legal notice that it intends to contest the results of the June 24 runoff against Senator Thad Cochran, a six-term incumbent. At least two lawsuits from McDaniel allies are in the works, one demanding the release of election records, the other accusing Mississippi authorities of culpability in the suicide of a Mississippi Tea Party leader on June 27.

The turmoil has given Mr. Cochran’s Democratic challenger, former Representative Travis Childers, an opening to exploit the divide in what is otherwise seen as a race in which he trails badly. “Senator Cochran does not have the confidence of his state, let alone his own party,” Mr. Childers said.

Perhaps more worrisome to Washington Republicans is that if conservative outrage in Mississippi spreads, some Tea Party voters in other states where the Republican establishment’s candidate has prevailed could stay home in November. That could bolster Democrats like Kay Hagan in North Carolina, Mark Pryor in Arkansas, Mark Begich in Alaska or Michelle Nunn in Georgia.

“Oh, we are watching. We are furious. The G.O.P. wants us to sit down, shut up and vote for their RINO,” Jane Bilello, chairwoman of the Asheville Tea Party in North Carolina, said, using the acronym for Republican in Name Only. “We are putting our foot down, and until the Republicans learn this lesson, they’re going to continue to lose elections.”

[Night Hides Not]

Boehner’s lawsuit is a precursor to impeachment. They are setting the stage. The president is vulnerable right now. Look at his poll numbers. All they need is the Senate because nothing happens with Harry Reid in control of the Senate. You need the clue I think.

Senate requires a 2/3 vote to convict. Not going to happen. All you do with impeachment is steel the spine of Democrats to "stand by their man." IMO, the best strategy is to keep the gridlock in place. Obama will be a lame duck after November, and Dems will start taking sides for 2016. They won't have the time or energy to waste on Obama.

[Night Hides Not]

Nailed it, sarge. The Pubbies had control of the House and Senate for 6 years during Dubya's two terms. Government and entitlements grew enormously.

Their actions speak louder than words, the latest example being Mississippi.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

Infiltrators are just part of it, which is why the Tea Partyers need to carefully screen potential candidates. And if they do go bad, to cull them the next time around.