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Tea Party Nation's policy of not endorsing candidates

Tea Party Nation has had a policy of not endorsing candidates.  We feel that in most instances, the local tea party groups are in a far better position to judge the merits of individual candidates.  As I have told groups before, "I believe we should not endorse candidates, candidates should endorse us!"

I have received a few emails from people saying that they thought we should endorse candidates.  I want to know what you think!  Should Tea Party Nation endorse candidates?  Why or why not?  What criteria, if any, should we use if we decide to make an endorsement?

Give us your thoughts, as Tea Party Nation is made up of all of it's members and this is an important decision for us!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Steve McNeely on August 11, 2010 at 11:24pm
I do not feel that the Tea Party should endorse any candidate, period.
With that said, I will continue to carry my sign that says "Stop The Pain, Retire McCain" on one side and "Vote 'em All Out, You Too McCain" on the other side.
thank you.
Dixie McNeely
Green Valley, AZ Tea Party member
Permalink Reply by islevicki on August 11, 2010 at 11:26pm
I spent hours before the Missouri primary's trying to figure out what each candidate was about and so did a friend of mine. I eventually visited a local teaparty website and found blogs on what people were saying about who was running. All of the campaigne ads said the same things about the other guy. I found it all very confusing and was looking for an endorsement. Although that probably is not a good idea, maybe sharing verifible information when you have it would be more helpful. The upcoming elections are very important and we all are concerned about choosing those who are genuine conservatives into office. I also found during my research that there are many Districts in Missouri that have only Democratic candidates.
Permalink Reply by Cliff Parker on August 11, 2010 at 11:33pm
You would have to have internal polling to find the will of the members. It would not do for Judson to claim absolute authority to speak for the group.
Permalink Reply by Don and Susan Crawford on August 11, 2010 at 11:40pm
From our point of view, the Naional problem is INCUMBENCY! While we may not believe in endorsing a candidate, we can recommend doing whatever it takes to vote out the Incumbent! That is what our Alliance is busy doing!
Permalink Reply by Ruth Fennell on August 11, 2010 at 11:47pm
I would like to see us implement some of the best ideas submitted so far (Morris, etc.) I think that part of the strength of all the Tea Parties are that we can serve as an education forum. We have enough problems getting people to get out of their complacency because they feel too busy with jobs, families, etc. to "worry" with politics. However, if we can do the "legwork" for them, and quickly and easily share our perspectives with them, i think we can continue to broaden our impact. I also feel that we need to keep it focused on specific issues: control spending, repeal Obamacare, or whatever. Then let the local Tea Parties determine the best ways to share. Here in Tennessee, we had multiple Tea Parties support Ron Ramsey due to his stand on issues (over the RINO Bill Haslam who was endorsed by several liberal newspapers). But I think we waited too long to come to consensus on support and we couldn't get the word out in time to make a substantial difference. November, 2010 will be here sooner than we think (but NOT soon enough!) and we need to make a decision and "get 'er done." Thanks!
Permalink Reply by Cliff Parker on August 11, 2010 at 11:49pm
We need to raise money to be effective and actually help a candidate. I have given more money to individual candidates than I have ever done before. There was some talk of starting a PAC but I haven't heard much recently.
Permalink Reply by Ronald E.Putnam on August 12, 2010 at 12:10am
VOTE THESE TRAITORS OUT
Permalink Reply by Daniel Stanevich on August 12, 2010 at 12:11am
Our whole purpose is political, so why not endorse. Provide a list of all candidates, by state, that the Tea Party feels will best serve the Constitution.

Support Sharron Angle; remember her race is the first step in turning this government around. Without Harry, Obama will lose half his power. Dump Reid.
Permalink Reply by Fellow Patriot on August 12, 2010 at 12:28am
There are so many "so-called" Tea Party Candidates that are just hitching a ride in the glory wagon of the Tea Party movement that don't really belong. How as a national organization can you know who's who? Therefore, what I feel should happen is the state Tea Parties should have a forum to submit what they believe to be strong, conservative candidates that the local Tea Party supports over any other candidates. This would not be an endorsement, as much as an acknowledgement. Should someone want to phone bank from home for a particularly hot race, then they know who to sign up with or have the ability to see what Tea Party is supporting a candidate and can contact that Tea Party.

Our group does not endorse candidates. However, we post events submitted by local groups that involve candidate activity so the local voters can get to know the candidates. We make our readers aware of hot races and who the local Tea Party is supporting. Then, our readers can decide for themselves.
As a movement, we need to come together and support candidates of choice by the local Tea Parties. If everyone is all over the board, conservatives don’t win.

Coalition of Independent Citizens
http://coalitionofindependentcitizens.org
Permalink Reply by Hugh Kealer on August 12, 2010 at 12:29am
Mr. Phillips,

I am sure as a Tea Party Patriot, you would want to make sure we do not cross the line illegally. As a huge Tea Party supporter, and real conservative, I find your posting to the voters and Tea Party Patriots of Arizona bothersome.

I have done some extensive research into how to legally endorse candidates. As an individual you can endorse all you want. HOWEVER, as a group, if you bring in ANY money or spend ANY money, whether to or from a candidate or not, you must be registered as a 527 with the IRS in order to endorse a FEDERAL Candidate. You can verify this with the IRS. I know this, as a CPA who has helped several Tea Party groups operate within the law.

Now, I understand the need to get rid of McCain, but many will not vote for someone who has NOT followed the Tea Party concepts of Smaller Government, Constitutional Adherence, and a Free Market System. I am also bothered by an outside group to try to sway our voters, when they themselves have not watched and listened to JD give his speeches.

You have every right to voice your opinion, but to use your position in the National group to do so is WRONG.

Signed,

Hugh Kealer
Permalink Reply by Dawna on August 12, 2010 at 12:31am
Well this is a political arena. There are good reasons for the TPN to endorse a candidate and the reasons for that endorsement. What I don't think should happen is the monetary endorsement from TPN. If an individual wants to make that contribution that would be ok but to see it be from TPN makes me feel it being to close to how the parties are being run now that is something that needs to be stopped.
Permalink Reply by George C. McMurtry on August 12, 2010 at 1:20am
We support candidates, not parties. When there are multiple good candidates, be pragmatic. Which one has the best chance of winning? Back that candidate. Don't lose focus on the big picture - get as many fiscal conservatives, backers of the Constitution, elected as possible.

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