In addition, Hoyer said the tea party won’t play the same role it did in the last election, when it helped elect GOP candidates. He cited his own race two years ago when he faced a tea party-backed candidate, who drew sizeable support because of his (Hoyer’s) support of the health care bill. But after a couple of years of GOP control of the House that has seen fights over spending and few legislative accomplishments, the Democratic leader believes those activists may be less energized.

“The tea party is probably saying ‘geez this isn’t working,'” Hoyer said of Republican control in the House.