GOP wary of tea party vote
Some Republicans fear the tea party movement that gave Republicans key wins last November could be a detriment in 2012.
Others cite the boost in energy and enthusiasm the movement gave Republicans — which helped produce their huge wins in 2010. That makes the movement positive overall for the GOP, they say, even if it turns off the left side of the political spectrum.
But there are hints that as the movement matures into a better-known political force, it has alienated independent and moderate voters: