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In the letter ("Most Americans agree with tea party," June 11), Sandy Thackeray reminds us of the "three pillars" of the tea party. With these as a philosophy, I cannot agree more. However, the overriding concern I and many other Republicans have is whether or not these candidates can be elected in a general election.

Past elections have shown, unfortunately, that these well-meaning individuals are too rigid and unwilling to compromise. I am not speaking of negotiating away principles, but rather finding ways to meld these into electable issues.

With the defeat of Eric Cantor in Virginia, sitting legislators must pay closer attention to their constituents and the matters these believe are significant, as opposed to focusing on D.C. politics. The GOP cannot be content with merely winning battles. We must assure that we do not lose the war to liberal Democrats.

Sterling R. Provost

Sandy