“Since NY Times v Sullivan in 1964 it’s virtually impossible for public figures to sue for libel in the USA.”
Save but one issue there... Most members of the various TEA Party groups are private individuals, not public personalities. So if any one of them now suffers any degree of harm, that can be directly attributed to this defamation, then you have a case. For instance, should any member of a TEA Party group now be attacked by an SEIU thug, etc... Bingo. That would include “hate mail,” harassing phone calls, etc.
You betcha I’ve been hurt by it. My measure of stress over these attacks has been through the roof. I may be on the verge of a stroke.