The unprecedented influence of the Tea Party during the 2010 election season signaled a sea change in the way the American political game could be played. Tea Party influence impacted at least fourteen states’ primary and general elections, their presence indicating a movement that has grown considerably from its fringe roots and continues to wield political influence today. While much media attention has been devoted to the Tea Party and its followers, little political analysis has been undertaken to assess their effects in different contexts throughout the country. William J. Miller and Jeremy D. Walling bring political scientists together in this insightful volume to assess the strategies utilized by Tea Party candidates in primary and general elections and to understand how such a movement could gain enormous traction in such a short period of time.

Tea Party Effects on 2010 U.S. Senate Elections offers readers a comprehensive analysis of the Tea Party’s impact on the 2010 campaigns for United States Senate through chapters written by experts in their respective states. By describing the context and happenings of each race while analyzing all the campaigns decisions, this book offers a timely and critical assessment of the impact the Tea Party played in shaping the 112th Congress’ Senate and what a future affected by Tea Party politics holds.