1.  Dictionary.com defines non-partisan as: objective; not supporting or controlled by a political party, special interest group, or the like.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines bipartisan as: of, relating to, or involving members of two parties (bipartisan commission); specifically: marked by or involving cooperation, agreement, and compromise between two major political parties.

What is the definition of partisan generally understood to be?

2.  a) Why do you think the AP chose to describe supporters of the Tea Party-backed lawmakers as having "sharply partisan...views"?
b)  Do you agree with Mr. Taranto's assertion that 'sharply ideological' or 'sharply adversarial' would seem to be more accurate? Explain your answer.