Republicans take brunt of blame for government shutdown , debt fight . Some handicappers say Democrats have improved their chances in midterms . On top of drawing the ire of a majority of the American people , the back and forth highlighted a noticeable rift in the Republican party : between more pragmatic Republicans and their emboldened tea party colleagues . Tea party groups expected to be very active next year . Comment:
Republicans take brunt of blame for government shutdown , debt fight . Some handicappers say Democrats have improved their chances in midterms . Tea party groups expected to be very active next year . Comment: