John Parker : Recent administration controversies have weakened tea party in Congress . Then , of course , was the tea party 's opposition to health care reform : 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 .
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 .