WASHINGTON (AP) - Tea party activists and other conservatives, eager to transform electoral gains into clout on Capitol Hill, are pressuring Republican leaders to take a hardline approach in the next Congress, shunning compromise for confrontation with Democrats.We have established a *toe hold*, nothing more.
The strategy is likely to bring gridlock on major issues - particularly tax cuts and spending - and make it more difficult for President Barack Obama and Congress to find common ground on virtually any measure. It's also leaving key Republicans, in charge of the House and with larger numbers in the Senate, less room to maneuver as they seek to show they can make the big changes they've promised.
GOP leaders have bowed to the pressure already this week.
Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader, said he'd go along with a ban on the practice of earmarking - in which lawmakers steer federal spending to pet projects in their states and districts. The decision narrowly averted an internal party fight over earmarks, and gave the tea party a high-profile victory reflecting its growing influence.
Full Story Here:
Tea party seeks Capitol clout after election gains
Some are already looking at the GOP gains in the recent election and are saying *Mission Accomplished*. The couldn't be further from the truth. The work has barely begun for Conservatives and TEA Party members.
Conservative leader Richard Viguerie said: "Today begins the process of repairing the Republican brand."I sincerely hope that *brand* can be repaired, it would likely be a more acceptable endeavor to most Conservatives than the effort required to for a viable 3rd party.
If the GOP is to be repaired, let it begin with the routing of ALL RINOs.
