The Tea Party has recently shaken the establishment Republican Party with its brand of often ultra-conservative purist politics.
It's taken many in the in the 'GOP' - the Grand Old Party - Republican establishment by surprise, with its ability to rally the conservative masses into a rage against 'Washington.'
With its backing of often ultra-conservative candidates, who most recently beat favoured Republicans in Delaware and Alaska primaries in the race for a nomination to take on the Democrats, America is taking note.
And its not just in a few states; even liberal New York will see a Tea party backed-candidate take on the GOP.
The election of President Obama was a real catalyst for the group, with the stimulus and healthcare reform bills leading to allegations of 'socialism' and the demands to 'take America back.' Smaller government and lower taxation are key.
There's no leader, but former Alaska Governor and John McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin, is often cited as a figure head.
Other notables include Fox News shock-jock Glenn Beck, who used his emotive talkshow to promote the recent March on Washington.
They've also been known to mail tea-bags to politicians who voted for the stimulus bill.
The original 'Tea Party' refers to a seminal moment in American history, which played a significant role in the lead up to the American revolution.
Rebellious colonial subjects in Boston were aggrieved at the British government's Tea Act, which, in favouring the British East India company, also saw people being taxed, 'without representation.' The movement culimanted in ships on the harbour being raided by locals, who subsequently dumped the tea in the sea.
And while the anti-tax element of this event gives the movement its impetus, the term 'Taxed Enough Already' has been growing in popularity amongst some demonstrators.
"A community committed to standing together, shoulder to shoulder, to protect our country and the Constitution upon which we were founded!" is how the movement is described on its official website.
But many Republicans are starting to think there is less 'standing together' than they may have hoped for - 'outsider' 'Tea Party candidates alienating centrist voters may cost them valuable seats in Washington, and even former Bush advisers like Karl Rove are saying it may be impossible for the Republicans to win the seat with such 'nutty' views.
Keen to emulate US conservatives, there's even an Australian group calling themselves Tea Partiers - not as a party, but reportedly as another grass-roots movement.
