Over the past fifty years, what have we learned about the nature of a smart, sensible federal role in K-12 schooling?

Despite claims that Republicans are facing a civil war between moderates and the Tea Party, the tea-party gale has swept through the GOP and all that stands between the tea parties and victory in November is the Democrats.

While the media has focused on the rise of the Tea Party movement and the success of conservative insurgents in GOP primaries, there is a quiet insurgency taking place under the radar of more moderate Republicans for whom fiscal discipline is not a top priority.

Two upcoming special elections, in Illinois and Delaware, may offer Senate Republicans the power to oppose a lame-duck session and block the controversial measures that Democrats may try to enact with the votes of defeated or retiring politicians.

Republicans would not have a shot at taking back either the House or Senate were it not for the Tea Party movement, which has both energized the conservative base and attracted independents to the GOP by promising to reform the party and restore fiscal sanity in Washington.

As the case of Marco Rubio demonstrates, it seems that no matter whom the GOP includes, it is always the wrong kind of inclusiveness.

British voters are angry at all three major parties, and even the Conservatives that are currently leading have not aroused enthusiasm and hope in the electorate.

Being in the minority is not desirable, so many Republicans are retiring. This makes it all the more difficult for the GOP to regain the majority.