Three Tweets Show Why The GOP Establishment Vs. Tea Party Primaries Are So Damaging

Yesterday evening, Rep. Steve Stockman (R-Texas) filed to challenge Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), the number two ranking Republican in the Senate, for his seat next year. Stockman's last second decision sets up yet another tea party vs. establishment battle in Republican primaries next year.

While these campaigns are a chance for the establishment to reestablish control over the party, they also pose a significant challenge for outsiders. Generally, the conservative candidate is well-liked by Republican primary voters, but supporting him risks pissing off the establishment.

This was clear late late last night when Texas Tribune Editor-in-Chief Evan Smith texted former Texas state senator and current land commissioner Jerry Patterson asking who he would support, Cornyn or Stockman:

I texted @patterson4tx: Cornyn or Stockman? "I have no position," he replied #tx2014 (1/3)

- Evan Smith (@evanasmith) December 10, 2013

Why no position? "Same reason Germany shouldn't have invaded Russia in WW2…" #tx2014 (2/3)

- Evan Smith (@evanasmith) December 10, 2013

"Why piss more people off when u don't need to?" #tx2014 (3/3)

- Evan Smith (@evanasmith) December 10, 2013

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is confronting the tea party head-on in Kentucky and will not let other candidates attack him or the party without a fight.

For candidates running during the midterms, this poses a problem. Either they can infuriate the tea party by supporting the establishment or infuriate the establishment by supporting the tea party. There's no middle ground.

Those Republicans lucky enough to avoid this election cycle should copy Patterson's decision and not piss off more people than they have to.