Washington (CNN)The tea party's latest failed revolt against House Speaker John Boehner underscored one of the movement's biggest problems heading into the new Congress. They are rebels with no clear cause. It's an issue that's bedeviled the tea party since its inception in 2010: They lack a central planning organization, a structure and a long-term strategic vision. And Boehner, with a shrewd command of all three, was already flexing those muscles Tuesday, doling out early retribution to two lawmakers that opposed him by removing them from committee spots. Meanwhile, Rep. Tim Huelskamp speculated he wasn't awarded a subcommittee chairmanship because of his vote. Boehner signaled Wednesday that he could mend fences, by saying he's starting "a family conversation" with his critics.
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Conservatives are being punished for their failed plot to oust John Boehner as speaker
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They're promising a fight, but have no clear plan for how to move forward
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Others are showing a new willingness to work with the Speaker
He and other conservatives who supported Boehner, in their explanations, indicated conservatives are coming around to the @placeholder way of giving a little to get a lot.