Tea party influence remains despite Indiana losses

By Perry Bacon Jr.
WashPost
Wednesday, May 5, 2010

The losses in Indiana's Republican primary Tuesday by two Senate candidates who had associated themselves with the "tea party" was an electoral defeat for the emerging political movement.

But, make no mistake, the movement's influence remains great -- and enduring -- despite the victory of Dan Coats over Marlin Stutzman and John Hostetter. Under pressure from conservatives allied with it, Republicans in Congress have changed their behavior and tactics in ways that will resound not only in this election cycle, but for 2011 and 2012 as well.

Here's a look at four ways the GOP's approach has been influenced by the loose coalition of activists that includes Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), talk show host Glenn Beck and groups such as Freedomworks.

1. No moderating policy views

After the 2008 elections, there was debate inside the GOP about moderating its positions on some key issues to win more elections in the future. Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney (R) said in early 2009 the GOP needed to offer its own universal health-care plan, ahead of the Democrats. Steve Schmidt, who was the top strategist for Arizona Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign, called for the party to abandon its opposition to same-sex marriage to win swing voters. Other Republicans, such as Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, said it was important for the GOP not to be seen only as a party that opposed things.

(More here.)

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