Tea Party Losing Steam in New Hampshire?

2012 Republican presidential candidates fighting to win support from local Tea Party activists in New Hampshire may want to take a closer look at the latest Public Policy Poll numbers. The latest poll of likely 2012 Republican New Hampshire Primary voters seems to indicate that the Tea Party is losing steam here in the Granite State:

Do you consider yourself to be a member of the Tea Party?

Yes.................................................................. 30%

No ................................................................... 51%

Not sure .......................................................... 19%

A February poll by the University of New Hampshire found dramatically different results, albeit using slightly different terminology: 

"Nearly half of those surveyed said they support the Tea Party movement," the Boston Globe reported at the time. 

In April, a number of GOP presidential hopefuls - including Mitt Romney - will attend a New Hampshire summit hosted by the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, the Tea Party group founded by billionaire Koch Industries CEO David Koch. Once moderate Republicans are working over time to win over Tea Party voters.  Tim Pawlenty has been busy refuting his own past support for cap and trade in interview after interview with right wing talk show hosts.

It could be that voters' experience with the realities of Tea Party rule in New Hampshire is creating a local backlash against the movement. An estimated 2,500 voters turned out at the State House in Concord last week to protest the budget plan approved by NH House Republicans. The budget includes a Wisconsin style amendment designed to eliminate collective bargaining for public employees. 

Republicans who hope to win in New Hampshire may want to keep in mind that voters of all stripes will have the opportunity to participate in the nation's first in the nation presidential primary. Democrats and Independents just need to make sure to register as "undeclared" beforehand. Undeclared voters can show up at the polls on primary day and register as a Republican. They can even switch back on their way out the door. 

All the more reason for the current crop of Republican presidential candidates to follow John McCain's example and campaign as a moderate, independent voice of reason in New Hampshire. 

Photo by David Shankbone