Tea Party Caucuses Get Quiet

Republicans co-opting the brand, they complain

(NEWSER) - The tea party has a voice in Congress now, and it’s not thrilled about it. To many activists, Michelle Bachmann’s new 49-member Tea Party Caucus looks like an attempt to co-opt the movement, Politico reports. “Ultimately, I worry it destroys the tea party—which started out as a nonpartisan group,” wrote one well-respected party blogger. Some of the movement’s congressional allies agree. “I’m 100% pro-tea party,” said Rep. Jason Chaffetz, “but this is not the right thing to do.” More»

It poses a tricky question for Republican leaders

(NEWSER) - Tea Party favorite Michele Bachmann has formed an official Tea Party Caucus in the House of Representatives, a development that forces GOP leaders to answer what Politico terms an "existential question: Are you in or are you out?" For some, like Mike Pence, it's an easy call to join. For others, like Eric Cantor, who remains undecided, it's politically tricky territory. More»

Upstarts face 'club' in battle over big government

(NEWSER) - Tea Party candidates may have rattled the Democrats, but it's the old-line Republicans who could be in for a shellacking now. The upstarts heading to DC are already eying targets painted on the backs of GOP legislators out of step with their small government policies—such as Utah's Orrin Hatch and Kay Bailey Hutchinson of Texas, notes Politico . Those friendly with the Tea Partiers, on the other hand, are enjoying a huge boost in popularity. "People in the Senate have been in touch with me to try to figure out ways in which we can have a better working relationship,” said Tea Party supporter Rep. Dick Armey. "All of a sudden, I'm a matchmaker." More»

Steve King, Louie Gohmert not far behind among fringe congressmen

(NEWSER) - A week after releasing its Senate Wingnut Index , the Daily Beast investigates wingnuttery in the House. Using a “semi-scientific” process to identify the most extreme members on both sides of the spectrum, the site ranks them:

1. Michele Bachmann (R-MN): From calling the president “anti-American” to warning of tyranny, “Bachmann has become a symbol of all things Wingnutty in American politics.”

John McCain, you are not Mr Popularity. Michael Steele, neither are you.

(NEWSER) - Republicans hoping to ride the Tea Party wave this year and beyond might end up soaked. Politico surveyed leaders of the movement nationally, and found that almost every single prominent Republican was on the Tea Party's bad list. The party whipping boy? 2008 GOP nominee John McCain, underscoring the disconnect between the two sides. Click through the gallery for also-rans. More»