Newest challengers to tea-party freshmen: Other tea partiers

There are few cases in which freshmen have announced primary opponents. In some cases, prospective challengers are waiting for final congressional maps to be drawn or for the political environment to gain clarity or are waiting for incumbents to reveal the size of their fundraising war chests before making their bids official.

Advertisement

But a handful of foes have emerged. Tennessee Rep. Chuck Fleischmann is facing a challenge from Weston Wamp, the 24-year-old son of his immediate predecessor, former GOP Rep. Zach Wamp. Former Tennessee GOP Chairwoman Robin Smith, whom Fleischmann defeated in a 2010 primary, is also considering the race. Indiana Rep. Larry Bucshon is facing a rematch against Kristi Risk, who has criticized the incumbent’s vote to raise the debt ceiling and his support for an extension of the PATRIOT Act…

Mississippi Rep. Alan Nunnelee is staring down a likely race against his 2010 opponent, former Eupora Mayor Henry Ross, who has called the congressman insufficiently conservative. Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick could have a challenge from an Americans for Prosperity official who has criticized his posture on labor issues…

South Carolina Rep. Trey Gowdy, a freshman who unseated veteran Rep. Bob Inglis in a 2010 GOP primary, said the public’s ongoing displeasure with Congress imperils current members — including Republican freshmen like himself, who vigorously campaigned against Washington.

Join the conversation as a VIP Member

Trending on HotAir Videos

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement