The Senate is now made up of 41 Republicans, 57 Democrats and 2 Independents. We have not factored in the November 2010 election results. The Independents have a considerable amount of power vis a vi their numbers. The Republicans are in the minority and at times cross party lines, Snowe and Collins of Maine are good examples, Come 2012, 33 Senators are up for re-election, 2010 is too late to mount a 3d party campaign. In 2012 the "T" Party nominates their senatorial candidates, qualifies for a line on the ballot.
 
As all of you know, Independents are the swing voters today, die hard Democrats and Republicans will most likely vote the party line. 2012 might be an exception as 20% of the Democrats have buyers remorse. With a third party candidate taking 5 or 6 of the 33 up for election and the Republicans picking up 4 or 5, the power will now be in the hands of the "T" Party Senators. These Senators will be the power brokers, as they will be the swing vote with the Republicans in making up a 51 vote majority. If the Republicans don't play ball with the T Party, absolutely nothing will be accomplished. That is where the "T" Party leverage comes in. For instance the 'T" Party wants to eliminate the Education Department and the Republicans want some other legislation passed; guess what, "you pass our bill and we will pass yours". Now, that is what we mean by leveraging you power.

Think about a "T" Party as a National Party for 2012; it something to consider. We are sick and tired of back room deals, money buying power and pre-ordained candidates. No one is entitled to be a a candidate, they have to earn that right through the democratic process. And this is not happening today.