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Tea Party Patriots release statement against third party

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A lot of talk has been floating around regarding the third party route for the movement in 2010. A poll we launched a few months back had almost 5,000 votes, and suggested that a whopping 50% believe the Republican Party is the proper vessel for us this year.

Many have disagreed, however, making for some interesting debate happening within the comments here at TaxDayTeaParty.com.

To make matters more interesting, Tea Party Patriots, probably the largest issue advocacy arm of the tea party movement, released the following statement this morning.

There is much talk of the formation of a third political party based on the tea party movement. In Florida, a Democratic operative with absolutely no connection to the tea party movement has filed papers to form a third party called the Florida Tea Party. He has issued legal threats against local tea parties demanding that they cease using the name “Florida Tea Party.”

Tea Party Patriots is issuing this statement in order to make it clear that we are not associated with this, or any attempts to form a third party. Additionally, we believe that such efforts are unproductive and unwise at this time. The history of third party movements in this country is one of division and defeat. We believe that it is instead time for all Americans to rise up and demand appropriate reform within their own parties. The mechanisms exist for citizens to participate in their parties, and to drive their parties in the right direction.

The Tea Party Patriots encourage all citizens to get involved in the party process, and to reshape their parties into something in which they may once again believe. This country does not belong to any one party, nor does it belong to the career politicians. This country belongs to the citizens. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “We have given you a republic madam, if you can keep it.” The founders knew that it would be our sacred obligation as citizens to get involved, and to work hard to hold on to this great nation. We have much work to do, and future generations will look back in judgment. We hope you will join us in preserving the republic.

Is this another sign that more groups and organizations are starting to take an aggressive stance against the third party option?

125 Responses to “Tea Party Patriots release statement against third party”

  1. Thom S. says:

    If the Democratic Party keeps on its current path, keeping socialist radicals like Pelosi and Reed in positions of power, I expect moderate Democrats and Independents might end up being the group to form a third party. Unlike the Republicans they will have little to loose, as hurting the current Democratic Party in favor of Republican wins would be in their favor.

    Clearly there is a group, particularly those in urban places that are thriving and revitalizing, who believe great well planned cities with streetcars, transit and inter-city rail, can both be great for development, energy independence, business, as well as the environment. This group is not represented by the Republicans or the Libertarians who tend to favor government subsidy of suburban sprawl to the detriment of our cities.

    So as a large segment of the Tea Party Movement moves to reform the Republican Party, I expect there will be a remaining group who just does not see a home there and will be seeking an alternative, and yet they do not favor the radical solutions of the Democratic Party to the issues of their concern.

    Such a third party destroying the Democratic Party, as it now exists would not be seen as necessarily a negative thing to fiscal conservatives who no longer see that party as caring anything at all of this issue in favor of large federal government takeover of party of our economy.

    I predict there will be a significant number of Independents elected to office this fall, and this group, although caucausing with the major parties on an issue by issue basis, will likely divide into three parties with significant voices and forcing the major parties to consider their policy issues.

    At some point one or two of them will grow stronger, either forcing one of the two parties to fundamentally change, or possibly be displaced in the next couple of elections.

    I expect this will occur as there will be candidates that simply can not win in historically Democratic districts as Republicans and vice versa. This will result in a lot of Independent candidates, who might even run in the primaries of the majors in districts where this is necessary.

    I do not expect either party to respond to this group of Americans who although having in common fiscally conservative views and wanting less federal control, still believe in a variety of solutions at the state level beyond what are represented by either party. You see these plans and solutions regularly at the city level, many being implemented and successful, and yet the Federal government seems oblivious to these changes of real people in real places.

  2. Jon says:

    I hope posting here is appropriate, please forgive me if it’s not. I’m not affiliated with any of your member groups. I am assisting four different TP groups spread across two counties and four districts in my State.

    One group is asking for input regarding the possibility of supporting the GOOOH.com third party initiative.

    If some of you could comment on my thoughts I would appreciate your perspective.

    I am opposed to an effort to develop a third party at this time. My conclusion is based on the prioritization of what I see as critial threats, especially where likely achievable goals exist to address those threats.

    Our countries fiscal liabilities (debt) strike me as a critical threat (See David Walker - P. G. Peterson Foundation). The following recommendation is intended to restore some “check and balance” to begin to address this problem. It is not an end game solution but rather an achievable start.

    The 2010 election cycle is our chance to break one party rule at the Federal level (Brown’s win was a start). I would direct a great deal of effort and resource at the Senate. From a numbers point of view plus all of the ill will the Senate has fostered it’s made itself quite vulnerable and the goal more achievable.

    If we accomplish this I assume the parties will do what comes natural and oppose each other. It shouldn’t be too hard to further reinforce that fiscal responsibility is the clear intent of “the people”.

    I think we have a secondary opportunity which merits consideration. I believe there are a lot of professional party types watching to see if we can organize and sustain ourselves. I don’t believe Scott Brown’s win is enough to convince either party we had an effect. I suspect we will have to provide a continued stream of “surprises” to drive home the reality that we are here to stay. Again on that note my tactic guards against overreaching and potential failure.

    Choose which battles to fight, win the war. Huza!

    Again I appreciate your thoughts.

  3. Chad says:

    The movement has started, and I am excited. However, in order to bring stability back to our government, we must be delicate in our process of converting government powers back to the people. First lets talk about the whole talk about the left and the right. There are both conservative democrats and republicans, the issue here is the PROGRESSIVES(Obama, Reid, Poloski). They have consumed the left, and I predict that they will start trying to consume the right as well due to the recent blow to the democratic party. First we must vote on principles, starting with the conservatives. Our message(third party) is starting to take notice in congress, and politicians, scared of losing their seats, are starting to take notice of our cries. We all wish we could just vote independent and get em in, but, we must retain common sense, this process will take 10 years before we can start getting top seats filled with die hard, liberty fighting, mad as hell politicians. I think it must start with the conservatives, both democrat and republicans, and slowly transcend toward the third party as education spreads. The third party will rise, but the process must be taken delicately to insure a proper upbringing of the third party. Remember, in order for this to work, we must be patient. Start with the conservatives that share our views, and as more and more people start jumping on board, then it will be easier to insure third party victories. We don’t want to split votes, and end up with more progressive liberals in the process. We must slowly join the conservatives with the third party, and then it will be time to make our move in Washington. This theory I’m discussing here might be essential, or it may be a crop of guano, I just wanted put my thoughts out there. Either way, the revolution is coming, whether they want it or not. Fight on my brothers and sisters, tell your politicians to repent or be removed! See ya on 9/12

  4. Daniel Gaita says:

    Insanity: doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different result….

    If the TEA Party movement simply endorses one political party over another, it will have proved its insanity…

    It’s about giving the country back to the people…vetting and selecting candidates that are not owned by lobbyist or unions or healthcare…

    If that “best candidate” is a republican than he gets the nomination….If it is a conservative Democrat with a sensible and intelligent non-partisan voting record than he/she gets the nomination….

    The TEA PARTY Movement isn’t a Republican campaign platform….it is the peoples platform!

    So now the question becomes….If we run a slate of republicans….will the republicans nominate them too….or will the republicans split the vote?

  5. Jordon says:

    Note however I am NOT in favor of creating a third party out of the Tea Party, as I think several third parties already would create good homes for those involved in the Tea Party movement, without having to use a more so big tent philosophy to include everyone. Those current third parties are those such as the Constitution Party and the Libertarian Party!!!!

  6. Jordon says:

    The above article quotes the Tea Party movement as saying “Additionally, we believe that such efforts are unproductive and unwise at this time. The history of third party movements in this country is one of division and defeat. We believe that it is instead time for all Americans to rise up and demand appropriate reform within their own parties. The mechanisms exist for citizens to participate in their parties, and to drive their parties in the right direction.” This is an absurd comment!! Third Parties in US history have been those of active change and providing a voice for those who have minority views and even for creating a majority view. You can thank third parties for the woman’s right to vote abolishment of slavery and the curtailment of child labor. Third parties are necessary checks and balances to the two major parties. Yes we have a two party system, and it will probably always tend toward such, but it is not natural the way it is now. The only reason third parties seem unproductive now, unlike they were before the late 1880’s up to the early 1930’s is because of the restrictive and unconstitutional ballot access laws that plague most states and deprive voters of their right to vote for third parties, or to vote their conscience. In all reality, third parties may be the most worthwhile vote that there is. Read my review of the book “Third Parties in America” at http://www.NCFPE.com to learn more!!!

  7. Simon Jester says:

    What happened in Nevada, needs to be repeated nationwide.

    First the GOP, as it will be easier.

    If you have not become active at your local level, please do so. There are many unfilled precinct chairs out there. Go fill them.

    The entrenched progressives in the democrat party will prove much harder to dislodge.

    At this time in our history, a 3rd party would mean the destruction of our great nation.

  8. Thom S. says:

    @MilleniumPatriot

    Good Comments. While I think many online discussions might be fractured, I don’t think you will find this among the real groups doing the real work at the city and state level.

    This is where the leaders will come from and I expect as coalitions of successful city or state focused organizations continue to work together national leaders or spokespersons will emerge.

  9. Rob says:

    Chuck-
    I disagree that “we have time” Once this obama agenda becomes entrenched there would be hell to pay dislodging them.
    Especially if obama front loads the Supreme Court.
    What’s happening in Mass. is very significant, I’ve heard pundits say “even if it close it’s victory” non-sense! Brown could be the 41st vote.
    Like it or not we need each other, Conservatives and Republicans. My opinion
    We move this government to gridlock and stop the bleeding, fine tune the rest of it later.
    I’ve Emailed Joe Kennedy and very respectfully asked him to withdraw and have his supporters cast their votes for Brown. The 2 or 3% could make the difference. If you like this idea pls. e mail him @ joekennedyforsenate.com
    Rob

  10. MilleniumPatriot says:

    This is the first I have read the posts from this forum and I can see that there are fractures beginning to form. Not that I am necessarily right, but here is how I see it:
    As far as parties go I understand the concept of not wanting to let DEMS complete control by handing over elections via TP spoiler condidates. The best way to elevate true conservative/constitutionilist influence is to form a broader more rigid coalition of TP support. This does not mean ALL TP supporters’ views will get supported. This means generating a general “consensus”, for lack of a better word on the movement’s principles and running with them solidly. This will require some form of leadership. There can be only one head of the snake. Winners focus, and losers spray. The reason for this is important is we need to be petitioning, and in some districts/races demanding the REP party start playing ball with us, rather than the other way around. We can not do this wwith out a more rigid organization. The REP and the DEM can just destroy us one group at a time, but together it makes it so much more diffficult. Simply put, the DEMS have no interest in sympathizing with the TP movement, in fact they have ostrisized it. The REP’s know that the conservative base is the seat of their power. Right now REP’s have the power, but the TP has a voice. At least for a while. Timing, as they say is everything. Getting the REP’s to get in bed and get on our page will lend greater influence to the movement. This way, down the road the REP party can not simply cast TP suppporters aside, because it will damage their own party too. This may be a hard pill to swallow, but sometimes in order to win a war, you need to surrender a few battles strategically in order to get where you want.
    I propose to inform/petition the REP’s that if they want to guarantee defeat and cede power to the DEMS for a long while, they should not support the movement. They lose more than we do. When their pride/stubborness get in the way we simply run spoiler condidates in every potential race until they get the message. The clock is ticking on this as eventually with no influence and no leadership, the movement will die, and soon. Significant losses should get the job done over the next couple election cycles. At one point, the REP Party will BE the Tea Party, or only the Tea Party will survive, one of them will have to happen.

  11. Thom S. says:

    @VJay: As I described in posts below, there are districts that make sense for third party candiates, particularly those with run-off or Instant-Run-Off elections or those where there is no opposition by the other big party.

    I expect there will be more than expected independent candidates who win ( who can caucus together ). I expect there will also be a lot of candidates who win thru the Republican primary system in places where they would otherwise be spoliers.

    In the 112th Congress that is likely to be rather balanced, such small Caucuses will still have substantial power to push for reform.

    A third party can start quietly and gain momentum if the majors remain clueless. And to say again the smartest decisions made by such a third party, no matter how informally it might be organized, is when not to run.

    If a third party wins a few seats, but avoids helping their obvious opposition to win by not running/supporting spoiler candidates, it can quickly gain influence and respect of the people.

    Massachusetts is a great example of where not to run/support a third party candidate if you believe in fiscal conservatism.

  12. Dan Rockwell says:

    I feel that we should look to a article 5 convention. One always gets the answer that it would put the pelosi”s in charge. Not likely with the mood in this country as it is now. Term Limits/ loser pays/ balanced budget/ tort reform / take the power back from the fed and give it to the states and the people..

  13. VJay912 says:

    Any gratification that comes from a 3rd party will quickly disappear after the first resounding defeat at the next election. And then you’ll have Democrats running the country for the rest of your life.

    Your average person is not going to care about a 3rd party. Keep the tea party movement as a driving force but not as a formal party.

  14. Charles Johnson says:

    I believe like some of the others that the Tea Party movement should not be about Republicans or Democrats and should absolutely not be turned into a third party. We should be about educating voters and demand that the constitution be followed by our representatives in congress.

  15. Publius says:

    @Coriann, the topic ‘whether a third party is a viable solution, and whether the so-called ‘tea-party people’ are it is most certainly relevant here.

    According to this article, the GOP has already BECOME that third party:

    http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/01/some_advice_for_the_republican.html

    “In a three-way Generic Ballot test, the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds Democrats attracting 36% of the vote. The Tea Party candidate picks up 23%, and Republicans finish third at 18%. Another 22% are undecided.

    Among voters not affiliated with either major party, the Tea Party comes out on top. Thirty-three percent (33%) prefer the Tea Party candidate, and 30% are undecided. Twenty-five percent (25%) would vote for a Democrat, and just 12% prefer the GOP.

    Among Republican voters, 39% say they’d vote for the GOP candidate, but 33% favor the Tea Party option.”

    So apparently, it should not be US begging for help from the GOP, only the other way around. The only catch is, it takes real leadership to keep the momentum going and pull it off, and so far, that’s no where to be found.

  16. CORIANN says:

    Reality check. Is the topic ‘whether a third party is a viable solution, and whether the so-called ‘tea-party people’ are it? Seems like the lecturers are simply tilting at windmills. If you don’t like how the super-bowl is going, run another team out there from the stands and take them all on. Sounds like a hoot, but not realistic. Don’t like the party that should be representing you? Get off the cross and go to work and fix it so that the best people can have a real chance for election. Is this a difficult concept, or just too hard to do? Pontificate in church, but here offer real help not pie in the sky. Luv ya. Coriann

  17. Gary M says:

    What we need are leaders that believe in far less intrusion in our personal lives. Implementation of a flat tax. Stop manipulating our money by the Fed and Treasury. Audit the Fed. And the realization that we as individuals have rights not because of government. but that we are born with these rights as human beings.

  18. Publius says:

    @Thom, great observation, which goes back to my earlier assertion–the TP movement still remains the Underdog to the Challenger and the status quo as long as people like Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck or Newt Gingrich can come along in a whim and push it all aside or assume control, which really reflects some core defects in the people who are attempting to assume leadership roles like Steve and Eric, and the movement itself. But it’s naive to think that these guys will be able to do much more than organize rallies and protests. That’s not what they’re made of. They can’t comprehend the notion of bringing bigger guns to the fold, it would hurt their egos and cause them a migraine.

  19. Thom S. says:

    There seems to be a great fear that the Republicans or Talk show hosts could “steal the movement”. That some TP organizations don’t represent every tea party member.

    I will say that if the movement is that weak it would not last anyway.

    But I believe otherwise. I think the movement is rooted in a majority of Americans who while they have voted Democrat or Republican do not align themselves with the powerful far left or far right.

    As a lot of young Americans have moved back to the cites the last 20 years there is a large growing class of people who while often fiscally conservative tend to know a lot of small business people in their communities, appreciate streetcars and light rail, and have very diverse groups of friends. Their political views tend to be an intelligent mix that includes Democrat and Republican views.

    A lot of these people look at the Democrats and Republicans and ask, where have you been the last 20 years, have you not noticed these changes.

    They tend to look at the Green Party and say, “I am an environmentalist but woa, you are going to a whole other communist extreme for solutions”. They look at Climate Change and say, whether it exists or not the polution that is stinking up our cities does not need to exist in modern society. They tend to enjoy recreation on our rivers and scenic areas and don’t think they need to be destroyed. So when Rush is nasty towards environmentalists because of the extreme, and most often flawed, solutions of the far left, he does not realize he is talking to me and many others who don’t think we need to pave parking lots coast to coast and spend our lives sitting in smog filled traffic.

    There are real solutions being implemented that are conservative ( The name had its roots in conservation, the preservation of resources that would makes the “drill baby drill-forget conservation” crowd look stupid) and are in fact more small business friendly and allow for a greater variety of choices.

    Both Democrats and Republicans have built their empires on money from sprawl developers, road builders, and the cars that feed them. Sprawl that required huge government spending to create and has left most of America looking like a repetitive cookie cutter car centric mess.

    So will everyone in the Tea Party agree with my views and the direction we should go. No, definately not. Will a lot of them follow TPN and work on the Republican Party. You betcha.

    But if the movement is real, it does not matter who owns/uses the Tea Party name. If a lot of well organized groups feel they are not represented in Nashville they are free to hold their own convention, define their own image and even use a new name and logo. The most publicized already do this, TPP, TPN, etc. Already organizations are using local names in front of the TP.

    A band could come together and call them selves the Real Tea Party, or whatever name they agree on that is distinct. Do the proper copy-write, etc. ahead of time.

    So if the Republicans do “hijack” the Tea Party, it was DOA already. If it really is a movement that is about real, long term change, it will influence, grow, adapt, focus.

    As a movement it is really about getting involved at the local level. Gathering groups large enough so they collectively have a voice and are heard, and if ignored will work to replace politicians.

    If this is a true reform movement, it will have many branches, maybe some third party organizations, maybe a larger politically independent watchdog group, maybe several smaller groups that focus on a couple specific issues and push for Caucus type groups that can include politicians from multiple parties willing to take a stand on an issue.

    There are so many options and potentials but the key and most important thing to remember is that we are all blessed to live in a free country. If you don’t like what other groups are doing, form your own, if you don’t like their convention, organize your own. If you want to focus locally, do that, if you want to be party of a national effort, jump in.

    No one owns the Tea Party Movement. There are leaders, who because they are pragmatic, passionate and selfless can and hopefully will rise to the top. Look for those, get to know them personally, and if they prove worthy, support them.

    As we complain about freedoms we feel we have lost or loosing, we should never forget how much freedom we have, and how much potential we have to make the United States of America even better.

    We can only change the world by leading by example, and we have a lot of room for improvement, but we also have a lot to be proud of.

  20. carol says:

    I would rather see 100 independents in the Senate than any Democrat or Republican. The 100 independents have more chance of not being corporate controlled.

  21. Publius says:

    @Steve, I’ve offered you suggestions, but apparently the notion of surveying the field doesn’t sound too attractive to you. What’s wrong, are you afraid of opening this up to more qualified people?

    You’re very insecure.

    “Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; leadership is defined by results not attributes. –Peter Drucker

  22. Steve says:

    Once again no answers from publius. Becasue he/she is only a critic, if we want that we can turn on late nite TV

  23. Publius says:

    Very, very coherent.

    Get a life.

  24. Steve says:

    @publius, what questions would you suggest we ask to find out what the TP people think? Let me guess, who should be our leader. If it is beyond that, I care not what they think as it is not about what I think,it is about Restoring the Constitution. We cannot restore it if we do not understand it. If we do not understand it we the people cannot understand it. It is only through force or fraud that these violations to the Constitution have happened. Stop looking for leaders.

  25. chuck M says:

    I agree with those of us who dont want this movement to turn into either a Republican or Democrat supported movement. I want a “Peoples” party…one that follows what the majority of the People desire. Most all of our current law makers dont listen to the people. Please dont stop this movement by letting the Republicans take over. We dont need Rush or Hannity. It will take time, but it can be done. We have a great start.

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