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Excerpted from “For G.O.P., Tea Party Wields a Double-Edged Sword” By KATE ZERNIKE, The New York Times, Published: September 5, 2010
… [[SIZE="+2"]A[/SIZE]]s much as the Tea Party fervor is expected to help Republicans in November, it may also create problems for them — and opportunities for the Democrats.
So far this election season, the Tea Party has brought a huge amount of unexpected energy into the campaign, and it could drive sufficient Republican turnout to become a major and perhaps decisive factor in many races. But the movement has also forced Republicans to spend precious time and money on primary races they should have won easily and has produced some inexperienced candidates who have stumbled in the early going.
In some House races, Republicans have all but given up hope of winning after local Tea Party groups helped conservative candidates win primaries in districts that historically prefer moderates. And in some districts, Tea Party candidates are mounting third-party challenges that could allow the Democrats to maintain or even win some seats. …
The Tea Party movement brings motivation and purpose to a Republican party lately lacking both. But with those infusions come distractions; many, many distractions.
“The Republican Tea Party 2010. Imagine, these people could represent you.” — tagline, DNC Web Ad