BOISE – Idaho’s GOP establishment scored several key victories this past week after local Republican central committees voted in new delegates who not only support the traditional GOP coalition but also seek to quash tea party influence.

The new appointments will play a critical role in the upcoming GOP convention. Leaders and delegates will vote on a new party chairman and discuss possible changes to the party’s platform and closed primary election policy.

The GOP establishment won key counties in the southern half of the state such as Elmore, Ada, Canyon and Twin Falls. In the northern half, however, tea party leaders and delegates retained most of their seats, including representatives in Kootenai County – the state’s third most populated county.

This means that rifts inside Idaho’s GOP, which have been a major conflict for the past few years, could come to a head at the June convention if delegates are asked to vote on key party changes. More here.

What message should tea party candidates take away from this?

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