Clashes Await Tea Party, Republican Politics?

A cautionary tale: Three weeks to Election Day and many a Republican is already counting up the numbers that will lead to big victories in the House and maybe even the Senate. The victories they believe will be a repudiation of President Obama's policies and an affirmation of the belief that America's political future rests with the Republicans. I've spoken with a number of Republicans and while they lust after the passion the Tea Party candidates and their supporters, they are leery of what life with the Tea Party will resemble. Polling of Tea Party supporters confirms that most of them see some difference between themselves and the Republicans -- 17 percent see a big difference. A conservative congressman confided in me the other day, if we have to vote to raise the debt ceiling -- what Tea Partier will support it? None. What happens next will be interesting to watch. Will the Republicans find room in their tent for the Tea Party? Or will the Tea Party refuse to enter?

Just a minute. I'm Harry Smith, CBS News.