If these political animals had worked as hard at election time in 2010, as they are on this, they might have brought about a defeat of McCain. But that would have put them working for JD Hayworth.
McCain defeated Hayworth 56% to 32% in the 2010 GOP primary.
Previously in 2006, despite a Republican advantage in district registrations of 139,057 to just 86,743 democrats Hayworth LOST 50% to 46% for he 5th Az. District, House seat.
Hayworth could be viewed as a preview of later Tea Party candidates, that were out of touch with voters, including Republican voters in their district.
I think it is instructive to think these situations all the way through. Start with a GOP held seat, nominate a GOP candidate that is too extreme, lose the seat.
Alphabetically Akin, Angle, Buck, Hayworth Mourdock, O'Donnell, come to mind.
Yet the TP fad seems to be hell bent on a repeat performance.