A new poll finds only one in four Republicans or right-leaning independents consider themselves supporters of the tea party, offering another sign the wing’s influence is waning after it failed to make inroads during this week’s GOP primaries.
Gallup says 11 percent of this group oppose the tea party, and 48 percent are neither friend nor foe of the faction.
Overall, the findings are “a significant drop from the tea party’s high-water mark” in November 2010, when more than six in 10 Republicans supported the pro-liberty, anti-Obamacare movement.
Gallup says the tea party’s influence remains a high-profile issue in GOP primary elections.
“Republicans in general are usually more tuned in to midterm elections than those who are not Republicans — but it is clear that within the broad group of those who identity with or lean toward the Republican party, Tea Party supporters are significantly more focused than other Republicans,” Gallup says. “Republican Tea Party supporters have given the election more thought, and also are significantly more likely to say they are more enthusiastic about voting, than either other Republicans or non-Republicans.”
Even so, Gallup says, the grassroots movement suffered a setback on Tuesday, when GOP establishment candidate Thom Tillis defeated Greg Brannon, the tea party’s choice.
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Tea Party Voices
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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