I haven’t read the full article, but I suspect it didn’t point out that many of the establishment victories were by very underwhelming margins, considering the overwhelming money advantage of the incumbents and considering that most of the challengers started out with very low name identifications.
It was well worth the effort to let the Big Government Republicans know that we are going to keep coming after them, and the opposition to the federal behemoth is growing.
“It was well worth the effort to let the Big Government Republicans know that we are going to keep coming after them”
Absolutely! For one, it kept these senators voting conservative and looking over their shoulders for a solid two years. And the lower the conservative rating, the lower the margin of victory, I have no doubt that this has been noticed by the Establishment.
Cornyn and McConnell (careful conservative records above 80%): 59% and 60% primary victory margins respectfully.
Lindsey Graham, conservative record in the low 60’s if not the high 50’s: 56% primary victory margin.
Thad Cochran, pathetic ratings in the low 50’s: exactly 50%.
Watch the trend continue with Roberts and Alexander. Roberts is more conservative and Alexander significantly less so. Should be reflected in their margins.
And once they’re done, on to 2016, where there are a significant number of incumbent republicans with low conservative ratings. I’m predicting a bunch of retirements.