The Empire Strikes Back: The Conservative Victory Project

The New York Times reports on an effort by weathy donors to the Republican Party to influence which candidates will represent the party in the 2014 elections. Might this be another challenge to the Tea Party:

The biggest donors in the Republican Party are financing a new group to recruit seasoned candidates and protect Senate incumbents from challenges by far-right conservatives and Tea Party enthusiasts who Republican leaders worry could complicate the party’s efforts to win control of the Senate.


The group, the Conservative Victory Project, is intended to counter other organizations that have helped defeat establishment Republican candidates over the last two election cycles. It is the most robust attempt yet by Republicans to impose a new sense of discipline on the party, particularly in primary races.

Conventional wisdom holds that Republican blew two chances to win the Senate - in both 2010 and 2012 - because Tea Party candidates - who were seen as being extreme by the general population were defeated by more moderate Democrats. The question will be whether Tea Party activists will support establishment backed candidates. Is a problematic division opening up within the party?