In Congress, the Tea Party Caucus now counts nearly 50 lawmakers in its ranks. A senior GOP aide says the Tea Party is less likely to challenge incumbents next year because the movement is “focused first and foremost on winning.” Kibbe explains it differently. From his vantage point, many primary challenges are no longer necessary because conservatives have already achieved an important victory. “To a great extent, [Republican lawmakers] have changed their behavior,” he observes. “They’ve rediscovered their fiscal conservatism thanks to the Tea Party.” In open seats, though, the movement will work to ensure that the GOP nominates the most fiscally conservative candidate on the ballot.
Return of the Tea Party? Where the heck was the Tea Party last year when it was most sorely needed? Oh, I can understand being negatively effected by the IRS, but conservatives shouldn't be playing a victim game within our own ranks. We have to be able to overcome and prevail, as in 2010.
Nearly 50 congressmen in the Tea Party Caucus? Nowhere near enough to offer resistance to the 'Rats; many more are needed.
Many primary challenges are no longer needed? Has this Kibbe been following the House GOP leadership lately?