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Tea Party Announces New Approach-John Dunn
FOX 17 News
Tea Party leaders say it’s time to take action, and they’re now announcing a new approach.
Some of the organizers of the National Tea Party Convention say they want to raise money and endorse political candidates.
Tea Party activists say they speak for millions of people who favor smaller government, and lower taxes.
But while there’s agreement on principles, there are major differences about how to move forward.
William Temple takes his Tea Party membership very seriously.
"When you start seeing the steam come, that's when people are boiling over," says William Temple.
He’s one of about 600 people who’ve gathered at Gaylord Opryland with a common cause.
"People in this convention are so optimistic and so fired up," says convention organizer Judson Phillips.
Now, convention organizers are announcing the formation of a new Political Action Committee.
The Ensuring Liberty Corporation and affiliated PAC will raise money and support like-minded candidates.
"The idea is essentially to act as ferocious as we are about our government being fiscally responsible, as we will about our political process," says Ensuring Liberty leader Mark Skoda.
The Tea Party movement was built from the ground up.
Large rallies gave people an outlet, but some believe it’s not enough.
"Let us not be naive here. The notion of holding up signs and simply responding with emotion does not get people elected," says Mark Skoda.
But not everyone agrees with this idea of endorsing candidates and raising money. Some believe it even threatens the movement.
"I'm really absolutely opposed to it," says Tea Party member Kimberly Fletcher.
Kimberly Fletcher says the Tea Party’s strength is its appeal to conservatives, moderates and independents.
She believes endorsement can be polarizing.
"The people can endorse whatever candidate they personal want to endorse with their vote when they have information," says Fletcher.
But William Temple says regardless of the approach, something has to change, even if it means forming PACs and offering endorsements.
"We are picking our candidates as they sign up with us," says Temple.
The leader of Ensuring Liberty Corporation says his group will focus on 15 to 20 key races this year.
They’ll endorse candidates who believe in fiscal responsibility, lower taxes, less government, states’ rights, and national security.
The National Tea Party Convention wraps up on Saturday night, with the keynote speech delivered by former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.
Tea Party Announces New Approach-John Dunn
Posted: Friday, February 5 2010, 06:51 PM CST
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