CHICAGO (AP) -- Some Illinois tea party activists are evolving from sideline protesters to political insiders who are running for office or working for candidates.
Illinois reflects one facet of the fractious movement.
In other states, tea party groups are renouncing affiliations with any major party. And many activists aren't sure what they should do as the 2010 midterm election approaches.
The tea party activists believe the GOP has strayed from its conservative roots of fiscal restraint.
Republican leaders in Illinois acknowledge they somehow must embrace this possibly influential group, which has become even more energized since the passage of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.
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