The sad thing is that it’s going to be a while before they’re no longer an issue.

The Republicans will make gains in the House and Senate this year. The TPers will believe it’s because most people agree with them. The job mess, the recession, the recoil from the heavy Dem gains of the last couple of elections, all are insignificant in their eyes.

They’ll be more strident from November 2010 through November 2012. I still think it unlikely they’ll take the presidency (due to the candidates) or more Congressional seats (due to their stridency). That’ll bring on the “We were robbed” phase, something I’m looking forward to only in that it’s the beginning of the end for them.

I’d not be surprised to see them being a voice in the 2020 presidential elections. Saddened, but not surprised.