professor who has never held office. he teaches at randolph macon college. the same skchool where his democratic opponent is on the faculty who will face him in the november election. though brat claimed allegiance to tea party ideals, he did not attract financial support from any of the major tea party groups. political writer jeff shapiro of the richmond "times dispatch." >> sometimes ideas are bigger than dollars. fewer votes make for bigger surprises. >> reporter: what may have helped brat most was cantor, himself, whose disconnect from the district led to his downfall. >> i honestly wasn't very impressed. too closed minded. >> it's kind of a lose/lose situation. i'm happy cantor lost. i'm not sure how happy i am about the guy that won. >> reporter: it's on to the general election now. this is a strong republican district. it's pretty clear they have traded in one of the most powerful republicans in congress for a member who is likely to be