Now let's let the process work

  Well, there's been a lot of commentary and pressure from tea  partiers on the new candidates who won their races, not the least of whom is Neal Cavuto, who's taken up the earmark issue with a passion. Cavuto usually has a mild-mannered, balanced show on FNC, but he's been dogging this issue, which has felt a bit like he's intentionally ginning up controversy for the sake of controversy.
  There've been lots of tea party "leaders" making statements, demanding this or that. 
  There've been demands to call the freshmen and force them to take a stand on the issue.
  And there's been lots of calls made to people who have no authority yet.
  Does this seem premature? Does this seem like bullying? Does this seem like some of the tea party "leaders" are being consumed with the same lust for power and control to which the politicians have fallen prey?
  People need to back off and at least wait until the freshmen get into office before they get too nasty lobbying on various issues. The message has been sent, loud and clear, and all tea party candidates know what will happen to them if they do not put the best interests of the people ahead of their own desire for power. The people who have been elected to office are not professional politicians; they're private business people who have worked in the world, not just D.C.
  Some issues, like the earmark issue, need to be aired out completely before decisions are made. There are good and bad aspects to every issue and, rather than rush into decisions, the process needs to work itself out in a public way, both sides considered. Ramifications need to be considered and then the tea party freshmen need to follow their consciences.
  Many of us have entered a resting period for a time now, while we watch to see what happens during the lame duck session and then gear up for the incoming class of freshmen.
  Above all, honor needs to be the guiding light behind all decisions that are made.
  And to that measure, Joe Miller needs to back off his demand that Murkowski's name be spelled exactly. Intent should be the rule. Much as we would like to see Miller win, it is not honorable to subvert the will of the people if they voted for the scoundrel RINO spoilsport Murkowski. If that's who they wanted, that's who they should get. Free and fair elections are our goal.
  And one of the first things Congress should do is to pass a law encouraging free and fair elections: ID required, voting nailed down, no poll bullying and investigations of voter fraud to move forward.