“Hmmm, I thought the Era of Reagan was over?” wrote Rush Limbaugh in an email to POLITICO. “Who was it that said that? Oh yeah, the smart people on our side who told us the only way we could win was with moderate-liberal candidates like Scozzafava.”…

But even as they start to savor what could be a clean sweep, Republicans also must be mindful of what a Hoffman win could set off.

“I think it will empower tea party activists” to look for moderate scalps in other districts,” fretted one senior GOP strategist with national campaign experience. “The question is, Will we go through a period in the party where a great purge begins?” this strategist asked. “If it spreads into that, this will be a very bad day.”