4 Races Presenting Tea Party With Biggest Tests—PICTURES

By National Journal Staff

May 1, 2012 | 1:04 p.m.

The tea party movement has a chance to make a major statement this election cycle if its candidates win in a handful of high-profile Senate races. Here's a look at the races that present the faction with its biggest tests:

Indiana: In the Republican primary, Treasurer Richard Mourdock is on the verge of defeating Sen. Richard Lugar, a top target of conservatives this cycle. (TOM STRATTMAN/AP)

Nebraska: The Tea Party Express endorsed Attorney General Jon Bruning early on, but that only sparked a backlash from local activists. An upset by Bruning rival Don Stenberg would be welcome news for Democratic nominee-in-waiting Bob Kerrey. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

Utah: Sen. Orrin Hatch, who has done just about everything right in his reelection bid, came ever so close to sealing up the GOP nomination at the state Republican Convention on April 21. But almost wasn't good enough, and he faces a June 26 primary against state Sen. Dan Liljenquist. (Chet Susslin)

Texas: No one doubts that David Dewhurst will get the most votes during the May 29 primary, but the question is whether he will avoid a runoff by receiving more than the necessary 50 percent. The last thing Dewhurst wants is to end up in a one-on-one race against the insurgent Ted Cruz, who is backed by Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., and the Club for Growth. (JACK PLUNKETT/AP)

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