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Though the news media and partisan critics continue to declare that the tea party is dead and irrelevant, a major pollster appears to disagree.

Although the tea party has not been as visible in this years midterm elections as it was in 2010, tea party Republicans have given more thought to this years elections and are much more motivated to vote than are non-tea party Republicans or other Americans. About one in four Americans continue to say they support the tea party. Despite what appears to be a lower profile this year, the tea party wing of the Republican Party about 18 percent of all national adults remains a powerful force, reports Gallup Director Frank Newport.

And the numbers: 73 percent of tea partyers are extremely or very motivated to vote, compared to 57 percent of Republicans and 42 percent of non-Republicans. Another 54 percent of tea partyers say theyre thinking a great deal about the midterms, compared to 31 percent of other Republicans and 27 percent of non-Republicans.

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As they were four years ago, tea party voters remain opposed to big government, taxes and heavy regulations. Their gravest concerns, the poll found, are now the threat of Islamic militants, the federal deficit, government inefficiency, the economy, taxes and immigration in that order. Tea party supporters stronger motivation to vote underscores the groups importance to the election outcome, Mr. Newport observes.

STAND BACK: OBAMA CAMPAIGNS IN SIX STATES

Democrats are leery of President Obamas dwindling approval ratings but are certainly eager for his fundraising. Mr. Obama who is masking annoyance and appears game will journey to a half-dozen states for the cause. So fire up Air Force One, and keep it idling.

SEE ALSO: Fauci: Quarantines could hamper efforts to fight Ebola abroad

On Tuesday, the president heads to Milwaukee for a Democratic National Committee roundtable at a sushi restaurant with ticket prices ranging from $16,000 to $32,400 then its on to a campaign event for gubernatorial candidate Mary Burke and other Wisconsin Democrats. On Thursday, Mr. Obama heads to Portland, Maine for another roundtable plus rallies for gubernatorial hopeful Mike Michaud and state candidates. Mr. Obama spends the night in Providence, Rhode Island, attends an event at a local college, and will be back in the nations capital in time for the White House Halloween celebrations Friday.

Come Saturday, Mr. Obama journeys to Detroit on behalf of Rep. Gary Peters and his bid for the U.S. Senate seat, plus Mark Schauer, gubernatorial hopeful. On Sunday, its off to Bridgeport, Connecticut, to support Gov. Dannel Malloy, then its a quick jaunt down to Philadelphia to benefit Tom Wolf and his campaign for governor, plus other Pennsylvania Democrats.

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Inside the Beltway: Tea party 'remains a powerful force': Gallup