Only four U.S. Senators attended the Senate Tea Party Caucus’ first meeting, raising concerns amongst the group’s leaders that the movement may have little support beyond November elections.
The caucus, which is led by the Kentucky U.S. Senator Rand Paul and South Carolina U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, continues to divide the party, creating friction amongst U.S. Senators expected to join the caucus after receiving support from the group.
Those joining the caucus include Mr. Paul and Mr. DeMint, along with Kansas U.S. Senator Jim Moran and Utah U.S. Senator Mike Lee. Florida U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Pat Toomey, both of whom were heavily supported by the movement, declined to join the group.
Thursday’s event highlights the increasing divide amongst Republicans. Following President Obama’s State of the Union address, Rep. Michele Bachmann delivered the official response of the Tea Party, while Rep. Paul Ryan delivered a separate response via the Republican Party.
U.S. Senator Mike Lee seemed to reject that notion, saying “the message of the Tea Party is one of limited government and that’s an idea that’s in lock step with the Republican Party.”
“That’s why I’ve never seen the Tea Party as anything that would replace the (Republican) party,” Mr. Lee added.
