Tea Party Effects on 2010 U.S. Senate Elections

"The Tea Party is no fad but a serious political movement with the potential to change the face of American politics. These fifteen case studies detail the goals, strategies, and limitations of launching a grass-roots protest movement. More than the final word on the meaning of the 2010 elections, Tea Party Effects on 2010 U.S. Senate Elections provides invaluable insights for all political scientists, historians, and students of electoral politics, campaigning, and political parties."--Raymond Tatalovich, Loyola University Chicago "Much of the discussion about the Tea Party movement centers on the idea of 'seriousness.' Some adherents to Tea Party principles think government officials, including many Republicans, are not truly focused on the deficit or abortion or some larger collection of political issues. Detractors of the movement, more than a few Republicans among them, see in these politically charged insurgents a jumble of wild ideas having slight application to the real world... One side of the debate sees an America that has abandoned the dreams of its Founders; the other sees funny people in funny hats going to funny protests. This book takes the Tea Party movement seriously."--Michael Burton, Ohio University

The unprecedented influence of the Tea Party during the 2010 election season signaled a sea change in the way the American political game could be played. Tea Party influence impacted at least fourteen states’ primary and general elections, their presence indicating a movement that has grown considerably from its fringe roots and continues to wield political influence today. While much media attention has been devoted to the Tea Party and its followers, little political analysis has been undertaken to assess their effects in different contexts throughout the country. William J. Miller and Jeremy D. Walling bring political scientists together in this insightful volume to assess the strategies utilized by Tea Party candidates in primary and general elections and to understand how such a movement could gain enormous traction in such a short period of time. Tea Party Effects on 2010 U.S. Senate Elections offers readers a comprehensive analysis of the Tea Party’s impact on the 2010 campaigns for United States Senate through chapters written by experts in their respective states. By describing the context and happenings of each race while analyzing all the campaigns decisions, this book offers a timely and critical assessment of the impact the Tea Party played in shaping the 112th Congress’ Senate and what a future affected by Tea Party politics holds.