Tea Party seems to carry specific counties in specific states. It just doesn't play nationally. They'll have a bit more influence in local and state election, and can toss a wrench in some of the mid year congressional elections. I don't think the GOP is going to give them a lot of leeway as they have in the past two to four years, though.
I must say, for all the consternation, the pre-election polling was remarkably correct. Nate Silver took a lot of shit and looks to be going 50 for 50.
I don't watch Fox, so that's why I haven't heard that.. The results seem to indicate this. They are talking losing Senate seats now.Dems had 23 seats to defend to the GOP' 10 and they lose seat? Underthe circumstances, this is a major blow to the GOP.
You will have a faction of the Republican party claim they lost because Romney was too moderate. They will go further right.
I think you are too optimistic. The Tea Party vets folks and gets candidates that share their beliefs. Those beliefs are being rejected.