Hartford, CT – With Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s primary loss yesterday, the Tea Party has been given a big shot in the arm.  Written off as dead as recently as a few weeks ago, they’re very much alive, and not just in Virginia. Last night on Twitter, David Walker – also known as “@DeficitRanger” – recognized the forces that propelled Dave Brat to a primary victory over Cantor:

The question now is, where does Mr. Walker’s running mate, John McKinney, stand on the Tea Party? Previously, even as Republican leaders in Washington have disavowed the Tea Party, GOP gubernatorial candidates in Connecticut have not. John McKinney, specifically, has told the Quiet Corner Tea Party Patriots that he would repeal Connecticut’s smart, tough, commonsense gun law.

Does Mr. McKinney support those who ousted Eric Cantor? After barely reaching 15 percent of delegate support at the Republican convention, is he vying for the Tea Party’s backing? Does he align himself with the far-right and seek their support?

Background:

New London Day Editorial: “None Of The Republicans Running For Governor Could Bring Themselves To Renounce The Extremists” That “Shut Down The Government.” In October 2013, the New London Day wrote in an editorial, “And now, there are signs of this infection spreading to Connecticut. During the recent crisis over the attempt by the Tea Party Republicans controlling the House to shut down the government if they couldn’t change Obamacare, none of the Republicans running for governor could bring themselves to renounce the extremists. Tom Foley, the 2010 Republican nominee, even said, ‘I support what they’re doing.’” [New London Day Editorial, 10/28/13]

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