Since the 2010 midterm elections, the Tea Party has not only lost support nationwide, but also in the congressional districts represented by members of the House Tea Party Caucus. And this year, the image of the Republican Party has declined even more sharply in these GOP-controlled districts than across the country at large.
In the latest Pew Research Center survey, conducted Nov. 9-14, more Americans say they disagree (27%) than agree (20%) with the Tea Party movement. A year ago, in the wake of the sweeping GOP gains in the midterm elections, the balance of opinion was just the opposite: 27% agreed and 22% disagreed with the Tea Party. At both points, more than half offered no opinion. ...Pew Research
And from the same source: "The Republican Party’s image also has declined substantially among people who live in Tea Party districts. Currently, 41% say they have a favorable opinion of the GOP, while 48% say they have an unfavorable view."
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Numerous national polls have long shown that support for the anti-big government movement has fallen since the November 2010 elections, when Republicans took over the House of Representatives on an anti-incumbent wave. But the new survey shows that the tea party brand – along with the GOP – has taken a hit in the 60 congressional districts of lawmakers who joined the House’s Tea Party Caucus. That could provide an opening next year for President Barack Obama and Democrats, who often argue the tea party has gone too far in its anti-Washington zeal. ...Wall Street Journal
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