Julian Zelizer : In battle between tea party and establishment , the tea party is losing . The Tea Party has been a force in American politics for more than two decades. Zelizer says Tuesday 's vote showed the power of establishment GOP groups . The immigration reform legislation that passed the Senate has been held up by a faction of House tea party Republicans , equaling about 30 to 40 members , who have been steadfast in their refusal to let a bill pass . He says the results could help tip the balance toward immigration reform legislation .
Julian Zelizer : In battle between tea party and establishment , the tea party is losing . The Tea Party has been a force in American politics for more than two decades. Zelizer says Tuesday 's vote showed the power of establishment GOP groups . He says the results could help tip the balance toward immigration reform legislation .