Karl Rove Declares War On Tea Party, Enlists GOP Billionaires

Karl Rove has created a group designed to stop the Tea Party’s influence over the Republican Party.

The “Conservative Victory Project,” an offshoot of the former Bush adviser’s American Crossroads, is designed to prevent Tea Party-endorsed candidates from winning Senate primaries. Several Tea Party style candidates have suffered embarrassing electoral defeats, including Todd Akin in Missouri, Sharron Angle in Nevada, and Christine O’Donnell in Delaware.

Rove ally and President of American Crossroads Steven J. Law tells the New York Times, “there is a broad concern about having blown a significant number of races because the wrong candidates were selected.”

The first target of the group appears to be Rep. Steve King (R-IA), a far right firebrand who reportedly is interested in the seat of Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), who is retiring.

Rove does not have a good track record in this arena. The American Crossroads Super PAC spent millions from coast to coast, opposing President Obama and Democratic Senatorial candidates in 2012. President Obama was re-elected and Democrats increased their strength in the House and Senate.