{Kentucky}...Saturday, the GOP dropped a new rule that automatically disqualified Republicans from serving in leadership positions if they had supported Democrats or third party candidates in recent elections. The measure had caused unwelcome dissention within the GOP because some in the tea party saw it as a move to keep them out of leadership posts. Tea party leader Mica Sims says scores of tea party groups across Kentucky, already credited with swaying elections for candidates they favor, have flexed their political muscle and won a major battle within the GOP. Some tea party activists had offered support in recent months to northern Kentucky businessman Ken Moellman, who is running for state treasurer. The deleted provision required automatic disqualification of Republicans who have given money, endorsed or signed petitions for non-Republican candidates within the previous year. Republican Party Chairman Steve Robertson credited discussions between tea party leaders and the Republican establishment with rectifying the issue.
