By Ken Feltman

Despite clear messages from independents and Tea Party activists that spending and tax issues were of most importance, many Republicans continued to stress social issues this year. Radnor’s review of hundreds of focus groups shows that independents tuned out Republicans when they talked about abortion, guns, gay and lesbian issues, race, etc.

Will the GOP recognize the importance of spending and tax issues? Don’t count on it.

Expect that if the Republican establishment continues to stress social issues, Tea Party activists will begin to displace the GOP’s current leaders. A leading indicator will be the number of Tea Party supporters who become delegates to the 2012 Republican National Convention.