It wasn't a surprise, except perhaps the margin of victory. Senator John Cornyn beat back a weak challenge from Rep. Steve Stockman to win the GOP nomination for the Senate. And Rep. Pete Sessions had little trouble brushing aside his Tea Party backed challenger Katrina Pierson to win the primary in the 32nd district.. But perhaps in a sign of things to come, the Tea Party was much more successful in down ballot races in Texas. The Hill: Stockman ran one of the most bizarre campaigns in recent memory, announcing his bid against Cornyn just minutes before the filing deadline, raising and spending almost no money and seemingly spending more time tweeting attacks on the senior senator than campaigning in the state. He took a multi-week overseas congressional trip during the short primary season, and made almost no campaign stops around the state. Cornyn took a few shots at Stockman in his victory speech. "Texans continue to be practical in their approach —...(Read Full Post)