Tea Party's Image Turns More Negative  —  Ted Cruz's Popularity Soars among Tea Party Republicans  —  The Tea Party is less popular than ever, with even many Republicans now viewing the movement negatively.  Overall, nearly half of the public (49%) has an unfavorable opinion of the Tea Party, while 30% have a favorable opinion.

There's a little pork in that bill: The 5 most surprising provisions in the debt deal  —  (CNN) — So much for a “clean” bill.  The measure passed by Congress to fund the government and raise the debt ceiling also contains some goodies and gifts tucked into the 35-page bill.

Advancing.  Ever Advancing.  —  Much cynicism has been expressed over the past month about the effort, led by Ted Cruz and Mike Lee, to fight Obamacare.  It was about money or defeating Republicans or something other than what it was about — undermining Obamacare with a united front.

Ted Cruz left with few friends after Obamacare fight fails, government shutdown ends, debt limit rises  —  Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said he wouldn't try to block the Senate agreement.  “There's nothing to be gained from delaying this vote one day or two days.  The outcome will be the same,” Cruz said.

McConnell-Reid Deal Includes $3 Billion Earmark for Kentucky Project  —  A proposal to end the government shutdown and avoid default orchestrated by Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic Leader Harry Reid includes a nearly $3 billion earmark for a Kentucky project.