First, I want to say that I want the Democrats to maintain their Senate majority. That said, if the Democrats are going to lose a race, I want a tea bagger to win it. Because I think it will crush the life out of the tea bagger movement for a tea bagger to actually have to govern instead of just run.
Also, I think at least one tea bagger will win anyway (most likely Miller or Paul). I would, from a 2010-2012 perspective, wish they did not. But, looking beyond 2012, I think it will help us.
Therefore, I think there are advantages if a tea bagger becomes a Senator this year.
If a tea bagger becomes a Senator, suddenly they have to put their money where their mouth is. They will give speeches on C-Span that will reveal their extreme views. These speeches will be picked up by the legitimate news networks. No more hiding from the press.
The tea bagger's views will be cast into the sunlight. And those views will wilt there. A Senator who espouses the views Miller, Paul, Angle, O'Donell, and the rest do will be shown in the light they deserve: as utterly fringe and absurd. Much like Bachmann but in the Senate, a much harsher light than the House.
When the public, even some of those who supported the tea baggers, see those policies in action, it will destroy other tea bagger candidates. Sure, an element will remain, but in the light of legislative action and scrutiny the tea bagger agenda will be dismissed as ineffectual, ill-advised, and insipid.
If one tea bagger makes it in the Senate this year it will crash the movement in 2012 and on. As much as I want to see Democrats win, that may be a fair price to pay.