WASHINGTON (AP) — Is the tea party the new Republican Party?
The grass-roots network of fed-up conservative-libertarian displayed its power in its biggest triumph of the election year: the toppling of Sen. Lisa Murkowski in Alaska’s GOP primary. Political novice Joe Miller is the fifth tea party insurgent to win a GOP Senate nominating contest, an upset that few, if any, saw coming.
With the stunning outcome, the fledgling tea party coalition and voters who identify with its anti-tax, anti-spending sentiments proved that democracy is alive and well — within the Republican Party. Don’t like who is representing you? Rise up, fire them and choose someone new.
The tea party has taken hold in the Grand Old Party, unseating lawmakers, capturing nominations for open seats and forcing Republicans to recalibrate both their campaign strategy and issues agenda. Out is talk of delivering federal dollars back home; in is talk of fiscal discipline.
Within minutes of Murkowski conceding late Tuesday night, Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., was among the conservative Republicans cheering Miller.
“He pulled off the upset victory of the year because he ran on principles and because Alaskans, like all Americans, want to stop the massive spending, bailouts and debt that are bankrupting our country,” said DeMint.
Taking a shot at Murkowski if not the entire Republican establishment, he added: “Joe Miller’s victory should be a wake-up call to politicians who go to Washington to bring home the bacon. Voters are saying ‘We’re not willing to bankrupt the country to benefit ourselves.’”
Murkowski, who was seeking her second full term, was the first GOP incumbent to lose her renomination bid to a tea party-backed challenger in a Republican primary.
But Utah Sen. Bob Bennett lost his job, too, fired at the state convention in May when tea party activists and other GOP voters rallied behind Mike Lee. And tea party favorites Rand Paul in Kentucky, Sharron Angle in Nevada and Ken Buck in Colorado won their primaries over establishment-supported candidates in open races.
Now, the country’s latest political phenomenon is turning its sights on the Sept. 14 Delaware Senate primary in hopes that its preferred candidate can vanquish a moderate hand-picked by GOP leaders in Washington, Rep. Mike Castle, to win an open seat once held by Vice President Joe Biden.
“Up next: Christine O’Donnell for U.S. Senate in Delaware,” declared Amy Kremer, chairman of the Tea Party Express, which says it spent some $600,000 in the final weeks of Alaska’s Senate race to help Miller. The California-based group says it will shell out $250,000 on O‘Donnell’s behalf.
Afterward, the coalition’s challenge will be to prove that its might is more than a fluke by ensuring that tea-party GOP nominees beat Democrats on Nov. 2.
That won’t be difficult in some places.
It’s nearly a foregone conclusion that Miller, an attorney endorsed by friends Sarah and Todd Palin, will be a senator; Alaska is a Republican-leaning state in a clearly GOP year. Still, Senate Democrats moved quickly to see whether Miller’s victory could give them an opening, conducting a poll to gauge the potential competitiveness of the race.
Even before Murkowski conceded, Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, chairman of the Democrats’ campaign committee, said in an interview his organization might come into the state behind party nominee Scott McAdams.
Lee is a shoo-in to win in Utah; it’s such a conservative bastion that Democrats are ceding the Senate seat.
Less certain is whether Paul will beat Democrat Jack Conway, whether Buck will overtake Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet and whether Angle will engineer the biggest of all tea party victories — ousting Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. All those races are competitive.
And what if the challengers win?
There’s no telling how outsider candidates who want to eliminate the Education Department or phase out Social Security — and who view themselves as independent of the party apparatus even as they get help from the GOP — would act as members of a body that’s the epitome of the establishment.
Party politics dominate the buttoned-down Senate, but no on knows whether the outsiders would follow the traditional rules — or even support Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. It’s possible that these new GOP senators could align themselves with DeMint, who has endorsed tea party candidates in GOP primaries nationwide.
Chris Chocola, president of the anti-tax Club for Growth, cast Miller as part of the GOP’s next chapter, saying: “Joe Miller represents a new generation of pro-growth conservative leadership committed to America’s founding principles of limited government and economic freedom.”
The GOP establishment was more muted as it contemplated the loss of Murkowski, one of its own.
“I offer my sincere congratulations to Joe Miller and offer him my strong support,” said Texas Sen. John Cornyn, who leads the GOP’s Senate campaign effort.
Democrats, meanwhile, crowed that Miller’s win simply gave credibility to their argument that the GOP and the tea party were the same, offering extreme policies. Vice President Biden has led the charge, painting “the Republican tea party” as “out of step with where the American people are.”
Democrats may score points with their base voters with that pitch.
But there’s a danger, too. Some Democrats privately worry that the party risks alienating important numbers of independent voters who already are trending toward the GOP, identifying with the tea party’s disgust with what it calls out-of-control spending and the growth of government under President Barack Obama.
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Comments (65)
Lssmc
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 1:23pmI stopped being a Republican the last 2 years of Bush’s 2nd term. I,of course, still register as a Republican, but the name “Conservative” fits me better since there’s nowhere else to go without splitting the party. My political support is for the candidate, not the GOP, and have supported candidates throughout the country with small donations. Christi, Rubio, and other possible Republican’s backed by the Tea Party. I supported Brown, but only because I didn’t want that seat to go to a far left Liberal. He has disappointed me with his votes, but I believe he will see the handwriting on the wall when he runs in 2012. Also, I think any damage he has done will be undone when the states that are suing OBAMACARE win their cases.
Haldol
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 1:03pmI find it refreshing that the Tea Party has remained true to its origins. I changed my party affiliation, from (R) to (I), about three years ago, even though all of my votes have been for (R)’s since then. It would be interesting to hear what some of you believe the major differences are, between the Tea Party, and the GOP.
Learning2Fly
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:46pmIt seems to me the Tea Party has a decidedly Libertarian tilt, vs GOP. The other thing is that there are so many RINO’s in the GOP, at times it‘s tough to distinguish them from the Dem’s. I want a small Govt to provide basic services like roads, schools, police, fire, etc. I also want them to protect me from enemies, foreign and domestic. Don’t steal my stuff (ie low taxes). I don’t want them telling me how to live my life (also sometimes referred to as Give Me Liberty). It’s not a lot to ask for. It seems to me that the Tea Party is closest to those values.
Report Post »kocurkrew
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 8:24pmI see the difference as, if we see a RINO we will seek out a more conservative candidate to run against them. I just can’t back a single party anymore, as I talk to our local and federal candidates I make sure they understand we are more connected than the 2 parties are and we are watching them closer than we have in the past.
Report Post »lea171
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 12:26pmThe Tea Party has impoded with mainstream Americans. In America everyone is welcome, but once here, you should adopt the American way.
Report Post »midcoastmainepatriot
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 11:13amGOP: Get it right or get steam-rolled.
Report Post »sandysalt
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 11:53amAmen Brother!
Report Post »IX-XI
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 12:08pmDon’t forget us here in PA. We had our way with Snarlin’ Arlen. Now watch the Original Tea Party Candidate, PAT TOOMEY, blow away his Democrap opposition. People were laughing at me a year ago when I said Toomey would be the next senator from PA. I said Obama’s compulsive need to alienate as many Americans as possible every time he opens his mouth will mark him out as a repulsive punk soon enough, and Toomey will be looking great by the time the midterms roll around.
Put PA back in the Red State column. Thanks, O’Blamer.
Report Post »sandysalt
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 11:02amUntil the Republican Party establishment apologizes for there government expansion and spendthrift ways the American people will continue to not trust a word they say and keep looking to outsiders for help. The Republican Party is likely to cut its own throat once it is returned to power by the will of the people because they will see it as a license to return to business as usual, which will put an end to them for good. The American people are willing to take one last chance on the Republicans, but their tolerence for big government and wasteful spending is at an end. Republican Party enjoy your victory, but remember why America is putting you back in power.
Report Post »radmaxntx
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 10:04amAs long as we let people that won’t work, vote, we are going to have politicians eager to buy votes with our money. The next election will be stolen from us by illegal means as well. Call me pessimistic, I‘m just losing faith in the country’s ability to rebound from the cancer that is progressivism.
Report Post »Slider
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 8:31amWe still must be vigilant with these folks. Washington has a way of sucking the goodness out of anyone. Follow “Count De Money” !
Report Post »Tony737
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 8:24am>… Joe Miller is the fifth tea party insurgent to win a GOP Senate nominating contest …<
RINO Season is open!
Report Post »CorpsmanUp
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 8:00amI love the fact that so many of the AP articles are quick to point out Republican candidates that are defeated but kind of mumble the “other” party who are also defeated. I’m niether R or D but am definitely T on politics. I want to see real accountability. Why do the folks who report on this always seem to miss the point? We aren’t “Anti-Tax” . We are ANTI- WASTEFUL SPENDING!!
Report Post »Why do the press folks refuse to see this?
Doc
pianotech
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 7:44amI sure hope so! What excites me is the fact that not since 1980 has the perfect storm existed for putting into office a congress and president who embrace and deliver Reagan conservatism!
Report Post »NickyLouse
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 7:42amEveryone knows that Democrats will not heed the advice of the T.E.A. Party, but Republicans had better listen or they will find their party split in two giving Democrats even greater control temporarily.
Report Post »alan11240
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 6:47amI’d like Glenn and everyone out there to consider a name change for the so-called Progressives. Let’s call them the REGRESSIVES, and let’s make it stick by calling them that from now on.
Let’s seal their name with what they really stand for. Think about it- How can overspending solve an overspending problem? Will that policy take us forward, ie progress, or take you backwards, ie regress.
This name change will forever plant in America’s minds that the REGRESSIVES are taking us in the wrong direction. And, it will even stick with many on the fence (the uninformed) who get their 15 second soundbites, then make up their minds and vote.
Report Post »NickyLouse
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 7:52amI’m not sure that rhetoric is what we want to engage in. We should always be focused on issues and common sense policy. Uninformed individuals will eventually be persuaded with results instead of mindless soundbites. I know that sounds optimistic, but I have hope.
Report Post »Donald30
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 6:43amITS TIME TO BRING CONSERVATISM BACK TO THE WHITE HOUSE…I am an Electrician with my own business. I along with all the contractors around me have lowered our prices and tightened our budget as much as possible, it’s time for the white house to do the same. POTUS IS BROKE, SO WHO IS HE GOING TO STEAL FROM NEXT.
Report Post »Hondaman
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:59amI think the Tea Party has demonstrated that they are a force to be reconed with. They have demonstrated genuine concern for this country. They are not “Hot Heads” like many of the progressives. I am 68 years old and I would have to say not since Ronald Reagan have I been so proud of the possibilities for America. GO TEAPARTY!!!
Report Post »beavis
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 12:09pmPelosi would look good with astroturf on her head
Report Post »Wino
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:14amHopefully, the TEA Party will indirectly pull the Democratic Party more to the right.
Report Post »Cut Spending
No more taxes
Back to the original intent of the Constitution
Take from others so that you may have more – i.e. Redistribution of Wealth – is just plain wrong!
Seattle-Tea-Partier
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:19amI certainly hope the Tea Party is the new Republican party.
Good riddance to all progressives, both on the left and the right.
Progressives are American Socialists, the party of failure and thievery, with a disposition to spread the wealth, increase taxes and solute corruption.
Report Post »DABeall
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:26am“I certainly hope the Tea Party is the new Republican party.”
That’s the key, STP; a NEW Republican Party. I honestly don’t believe a new, seperate political party that is going to be viable for any time in the foreseeable future is a practical expectation. I believe constitutional conservatives stand a better chance of transforming an existing political party than starting from scratch. The only option to that route is the Republican Party, because the Democrats are so infested with Progressives, it is beyond any hope of reform or redemption.
Report Post »American Pride
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:12amTaking the boot off the throat of the free market sounds good. I hope it isn’t too late.
Report Post »Daragon29
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:04amRepublicans are pretty much gonna be phased out, while libertarians will take the void i think.
Report Post »Learning2Fly
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:38pmWe can only hope!
Report Post »justplainmelee55
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 10:09pmI wanted to make a statement so I have changed my party from Republican to Independant Conservative. This is not to say that I will not vote for a Repub if I feel they are the one for the job, but I want it known that I am not suporting them or anyother party by name or with my finances. I will support individually, those I feel will best represent my family and my country’s mrals and values.
Report Post »d1carter
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 1:50amThis is a process that we are going through. It is going to take a few elections for this awakening to take full effect. I can tell you this much, this generation will not elect another Marxist into the White House. The Progressives have to purged.
myrkat
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 1:49amSlowly, one step at a time. If not this November (2010), then next… or the next… It’s like losing weight, it won’t happen over night, but with enough hard work and due diligence, common sense shall persevere! I would like to see some Democrats take back their party, too – even if I do not agree with the more recent trends of that party. Heck, I don’t agree with the trends of the GOP, either.
It is time for a change. How ironic.
Report Post »AmericanFreedom
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 8:06amAmen, America can not lose sight of the goal, which is to re empower the people, we can take back America as long as we do not forget at the polls
Report Post »drawlr
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 1:48amThe last thing we want is for the Tea Party to become the GOP, although the GOP is well on its way to co-opting and subverting the movement for its own purposes. The GOP was born in lies. It is called the Republican Party, but it never was republican in nature. Lincoln and the other Republicans were hard-core nationalists. Thanks to them, the original federal republic lasted only “four score and seven years” and they paved the way for the Progressives. The trouble with the Tea Party is that so many of the front runners, like Palin, are still warmongers. They will take us to war as quickly as GWB. We need the humble foreign policy of not policing the world that GWB promised but never delivered. The Tea Party needs to look to the likes of Ron Paul, a true constitutionalist, not Sarah Palin.
Report Post »ConstitutionalPatriot
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 9:13amRand Paul, Sarah Palin, and Ron Paul are all great choices for us at this time. You may not remember the GREAT Ronald Reagan, I served under him. He was a great, you could say original Tea Party candidate, President and leader. He understood that we needed to protect American’s wherever they are, but he was a spender as well. I agree “W” lead us down a path the Constitution did not authorize, but isn‘t that the job of OUR elected official’s to ensure the U.S. Constitution is followed?? I feel strongly that if we get the TEA PARTY candidates into office we will have a voice for the Constitution which will cause “fence” party members to climb back down to the Constitution’s side. Stay strong! the motor is running on the stream roller but now it takes more gas to get it rolling!
Report Post »Roll on sweet Jesus, Roll on! !
Cool Arrow
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 1:47amOf course we’ll still have RINOs (cough . . . cough. . . John McCain) who’ve “seen the light”
Report Post »Consider how unimportant were the lives of other Americans slain by Illegals until one of John McCain’s friends was killed. Suddenly, McCain has a “Road to Damascus” experience?
Nature777
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 1:18amThank God for the Tea Party. It‘s amazing to see that people in government are finally catching on to the idea’s presented by our Founders. We are based on limited government, not high taxes coming from an expansive government; that’s diametrically opposed to what we are.
Report Post »wingedwolf
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 11:03amAmen. The demolibersocialcommies must be very frightened indeed to get the smear campaigns out there as vitriolic as they are.
Report Post »sharra
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 1:17amI think we will take the party back to its roots. All the way back and we will see this country grow again.
Report Post »MikeyG_CT
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 1:01amThe Tea Party will influence the GOP to reinvent itself to conform to it’s original direction of principles it was meant for of limited government and limited spending. It‘s time to really show the other party on how it’s supposed to be done. It’s time to get back to some fiscal sanity and away from runaway spending and bloated government. Make your wish-list and submit it to your congress person for their consideration.
Report Post »Augustus Cicero
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 2:45pmHere, Here, When the GOP was overrun with RINO‘s the TP’s had to come in and clean up the crap. LOL…
Report Post »Beckofile
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 12:56pmIt was so nice to read this article and see the quotes from Jim DeMint. I met him at a Ken Buck fund raiser and relized he has a Conservatives PAC or 529. If you donate money to that he will find where it is needed most Buck, Angle, Paul ETC…He is building a TP/GOP coallition to force the rest of the Rino’s in the Senate to move back to limited government. PLEASE go to his website and consider helping his conservatives fund. It’s the real deal!
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