John Parker : Recent administration controversies have weakened tea party in Congress . He says to maintain support , tea party must make dust - up last till 2014 elections . It could return to issues that fire base : namely , opposition to same - sex marriage , he says . Parker : Against same - sex marriage , boosting tea flout party 's small government mantra .
Christopher Parker : Recent administration controversies have boosted tea party in polls . He says to maintain support , tea party must make dust-up last till 2014 elections . It could return to issues that fire base : immigration , opposition to same-sex marriage , he says . Parker : Stopping same-sex marriage , boosting border flout party 's small government mantra .