Tea Party, like most places when there are multiple good options, is split. Palin likes Steelman.
I think all three are good. Brunner is a good option as a non-politician, Akin has been a reliable conservative in the House but nothing exciting, Steelman likes the headlines a bit too much for my taste and she is solidly establishment (rich political family) but she is good overall as well.
Tea Party Express endorsed Steelman long ago...as have Congressman Lee of Utah, Susan B. Anthony List, Maggie’s List, etal.
I pay lots of attention to the folk that give money to various candidates. If I know a party or cause that I'd not consider conservative and see lots of people donating to it or them, then I know what the agenda is all about.
Not one TEA Party type in the people Herzog is donating to. Maybe wrong, but I'm betting he doesn't think Steelman is a true "rogue."
Steelman is good and has butted heads with the State GOP. Which is a good thing IMO.
I love her contract with Missouri statement.
Sarah’s Contract with Missouri
http://www.sarahsteelman.com/pages/sarahs-contract-with-missouri
As a Washington outsider with real experience, Sarah believes you can’t change the direction of the country until you change Congress. She has written a “Contract with Missouri”, her pledge to Missourians about her priorities as a U.S. Senator. Sarah commits to sponsoring or cosponsoring bills that will do the following:
Repeal Obamacare and its massive job killing taxes
Vote against raising the national debt limit
Oppose all and any new job killing taxes
Enact a moratorium on any new federal regulations; require a comprehensive review of all existing regulations and work to repeal unnecessary and burdensome regulations
Reform the tax code through a flat tax to create fairer taxes
Guarantee 2nd Amendment Rights to law abiding citizens
Protect the life of the unborn and end abortion
Amend the Constitution requiring Congress to pass a real balanced budget, and cap on the size of government
Eliminate taxpayer-funded Congressional pensions and perks
Suspend salaries of members of Congress until they pass a budget
Amend the Constitution enacting term limits on Congress and unelected federal judges
Vote for legislation banning all earmarks and fight any attempts to repeal or reinstitute earmarks