Sen. Thune Sees Third Party if GOP Strays

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) said a third party could emerge as early as 2012 if Republicans stray from their principles.

Thune, a potential presidential candidate in 2012, predicted that if Republicans win majorities in Congress but don't follow through on their promises, it could cause a third party built in the shape of the Tea Party movement to take off.

"I will say this: If we do not govern according to our principles and if we don't follow through on the things we say we're going to do, I think there will be a third party in this country," the fourth-ranking Senate Republican said on C-SPAN's "Newsmakers" program, set for broadcast this weekend.More here