GOP Freshman Senators Shy From Tea Party

The tea party movement may be largely responsible for the election of most of the 13 Republican freshmen to the Senate. But the senators are turning more toward the establishment as they seek to thrive in Congress’ upper chamber, Politico reports.

Many enlisted lobbyists and other Washington insiders to head their staffs. Only 10 of the 13 freshmen have created a formal link with the tea party. And most are obedient to the GOP Senate leadership. They hardly ever speak on the Senate floor, they’ve introduced little legislation, and they have voted in line with the leadership.

“When called on by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky — an establishment Republican if there ever was one — freshmen have jumped at the opportunity to travel overseas, appear with GOP leaders at news conferences and give the official response to President Barack Obama’s weekly radio address,” according to Politico.