Are Republicans and the Tea Party even the same people anymore?

I hear more and more people actually refer to themselves as members of the Tea Party when asked their political orientation. And it seems like a lot of more traditional Republicans are at conflict with these guys. Is the Tea Party destined to become it's own political entity? And if so will that destroy the right's ability to secure offices since they'd essentially be battling with themselves to get in candidates vs. a more unified Democratic party?