Poll: Tea Party Endorsements Could Hurt Candidates

Being a favorite among the conservative Tea Party movement may hurt some candidates’ chances.

According to a new Gallup poll, 42 percent of voters responded that they are less likely to vote for a Tea Party candidate, compared to 23 percent who said that they would be more likely.

In terms of party, 12 percent of Republicans, 38 percent of Independents and 66 percent of Democrats said being a tea party favorite could make them withhold their support. Conversely, 44 percent of Republicans, 25 percent of independents and just 8 percent of Democrats said that being endorsed by the movement would increase their likelihood of supporting a candidate.

The new poll also shows that if 2012 Congressional elections were to be held today, Democrats could hold a slight lead over Republican. The survey shows that voters would back a generic Democrat by a 51-44 margin.

Gallup conducted the poll among 1,319 voters between August 4^th and 7^th.