A new poll finds the favorability ratings of the tea party have increased sharply since revelations emerged that the Internal Revenue Service targeted conservative groups.
Rasmussen Reports shows that 44 percent of likely voters now say that they have a favorable view of the tea party. This is a 14 point increase since January, but 7 points below the 51 percent high they had in April 2009.
Scott Rasmussen, president of Rasmussen Reports, told Fox News on Sunday that tea party support from Republicans is also up from 61 percent to 80 percent.
Rasmussen thinks that the IRS scandal combined with other recent scandals could have an impact on the 2014 elections.
"This and some of the other recent stories really cut into the heart of President Obama's agenda, which is faith in government," he said. "And his health-care plan is tied to the IRS. The large question is will the Democrats' brand remain tainted."
Tea-party groups are also seeing an increase in donations and support since the IRS scandal broke, Fox News reports.
"We're definitely seeing a spike in both interest and contributions," said Sal Russo, co-founder of the California-based Tea Party Express.
Russo added that tea party members are feeling vindicated and energized by IRS scandal.
"They knew spending was out of control and their [political opponents] would stop at nothing," Russo
told Fox News.
The survey taken May 21-22 of 1,000 likely voters also found that 44 percent now have an unfavorable view of the Tea Party, which is down five points from earlier this year. The telephone survey also found that 18 percent have a very favorable view of the Tea Party, while 25 percent have a very unfavorable view.