Big States Could Be Tea Party's Undoing

The Tea Party better eat a good dinner and get a solid night's sleep, because its first major test is tomorrow: specifically, the Republican primary races in Nevada, where party favorite Sharron Angle is the likely winner, and California, where party-darling Chuck DeVore seems doomed to second place. Both races shine a light on what could be the party's undoing: the bigger the state, the more money and organization the party needs. And both are in short supply, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Its victories to-date have come in small-turnout, low-cost Senate races in Utah, Kentucky, and Massachusetts. Nevada—and its 2.6 million residents—will likely be win No. 4. But in 40 million-strong California, where DeVore has spent $2.1 million to Carly Fiorina's $6.7 million, the movement hasn't fared nearly as well, suggesting that the party's candidates may face a tough road in the general election, which sees more voters, and requires more advertising. (More Tea Party stories.)