Unexpected Schmidt loss could send chills down the spines of other Republicans facing primaries

The unexpected primary loss by Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-OH) Tuesday could send a chill down the spines of other conservative Republicans who face competitive primaries and are worried that they aren't conservative enough.

That means they could abandon House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH)  and other House leaders in droves on important bills. You thought it was hard for Boehner to guide crucial bills through the House before?

The House GOP leadership has lost anywhere from 40-90 Republican votes on major pieces of legislation over the past 15 months. After seeing Schmidt's loss, that number could well experience an upward trend as Republicans begin to fret about their respective primaries and begin taking fire from their right flank.

Many will view the Schmidt loss as a wakeup call.

While she was in the House, Schmidt voted against shutting down the government on April 9, 2011.

She then joined 59 Republicans to vote against a bill to avoid another government shutdown on April 14, 2011. Many Republicans argued the bill didn't make cuts that were deep enough.

Schmidt voted to raise the debt ceiling on August 1, 2011.

Schmidt then voted in favor of avoiding another government shutdown on a measure that failed on September 21, 2011.

Perhaps sensing trouble, Schmidt voted against extending the payroll tax cut on February 17, 2012.