Media Release

Media Contacts:
Lynchburg Tea Party – Kurt Feigel
Garrett For Senate – Rusty McGuire – www.votetom.net – 804-874-1461

Lynchburg Tea Party Endorses Tom Garrett for Virginia’s 22nd Senate Race.

The 22nd district in 2008 voted overwhelmingly Republican: 64% McDonald – 64% Cuccinelli – 53% McCain. Our goal is to elect a strong Constitutional conservative in a conservative district and we look forward to working for Tom Garrett as we believe he is the candidate most closely aligned to our principles of Constitutionally limited government, freedom to pursue prosperity through unhindered markets and liberty tempered by virtue.

“Tom Garrett emerged the winner based on the deciding factor of his absolute willingness to engage the federal government at the state level in defense of the Constitution, the 9th and 10th Amendments, God-given inalienable rights and a return to Federalism…this is a candidate that we can be energized to vote for and we that believe many others will be as well.” Said Mike Troxel LTP Vice President.

Everyone was impressed by all the candidates performance last night at the Lynchburg Tea Party debate. They are all good candidates each having their own unique strengths. We are very thankful to Liberty University Law School for the use of the Supreme Court room and to the moderator Dean Mathew Staver.

Prior to the debate on Friday the LTP Steering Committee met with each of the candidates for over an hour and questioned them on a variety of topics to ascertain their stance on issues that are important to the Tea Party. This information was integrated into the debate questions as well as presented to the LTP membership after the debate. The debate was designed to give them an opportunity to face extremely tough questions and reveal their strength and character as individuals and candidates. We believe they did an exemplary job and we are proud of each of them.

The membership of the Lynchburg Tea Party had the opportunity to endorse any candidate or no candidate at all. The vote to endorse Tom Garrett was overwhelming.

Kurt Feigel President of the Lynchburg Tea Party said ” We’ve met with all of the Republican candidates for Virginia Senate and we feel that Tom Garrett epitomizes what we as an organization believe in, not just as platitudes, but at his core. ”

” We are honored to have secured the LTP endorsement, there are candidates that suggest that this senate seat belongs to one locality or another, the truth is that the 22nd is not a local seat but a conservative senate seat. ” Said Tom Garrett “The Lynchburg Tea Party understands that it’s more important where you stand on an issue than where you sleep in the district”

Mike Troxel – LTP Vice President said ” We had a good discussion with our membership and have thought long and hard about doing an endorsement, in the end they decided that Tom was the candidate we should get behind “

Tom Garrett is a solid champion of the U.S. Constitution and understands the Federal abuse of States Rights that have plagued us for too long. Tom will fight in Richmond to secure a future for all Virginians. A future that should not include high taxes and run away spending.

“As the Commonwealth’s Attorney [prosecutor] for Louisa County, Tom has seen first hand the benefits of strong laws that protect our citizens” said Kurt Feigel “Tom’s record is nothing short of amazing”

The Lynchburg Tea Party is currently organizing a phone and door to door campaign in support of Tom following this endorsement.

“Tom has done a fantastic job of making the grass roots connections across the 22nd district and getting the team in place to succeed in November against Bert Dodson” said Kurt Feigel “Garrett has raised over $100,000 and is on track to win the primary in August and the general election in November.”

Tom Garrett understands the issues facing our state and nation. It is important that he understands the national issues from a Constitutional standpoint because those impact us every day. Bad Washington D.C. policy hurts our national economy and that hurts our commonwealth. We need principled leaders that will go to Richmond and fight back against an over reaching federal government.

“You don’t win races by just sending out mailers and running adds. You win them at the water cooler and the kitchen table. That is how we plan to win this race for Tom Garrett.” said Kurt Feigel

To Learn more about the Lynchburg Tea Party please visit www.lynchburgteaparty.com

The Lynchburg Tea Party is reaching out to community groups all across the city and across political lines to fight an issue that will directly effect you and your neighbors.

The City of Lynchburg is trying to give the planning commission (building permits, code enforcement, etc) the ability to issue search warrants if they suspect “code” violations.

This is an outright violation of the 4th amendment.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

To put this amendment into historical context; we are celebrating our nations independence on July 4th. Independence from what? From the very things this city is trying to implement.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance. Declaration of Independence

The argument in favor of this new ordinance change (law) is that there are TWO houses that are a problem in Lynchburg. And yet, the city attorney has not filled a civil suit against those two houses. Why? Because that is not the real reason for this new law.

They want to generate revenue for the city. Is your house up to code? I doubt it. If you’ve ever had dealings with the City Inspectors you’ll know that they ALWAYS find something to fine you with. Always find something that you MUST correct. Those things cost money.

Think on this as well. Imagine you get your visit from Inspector Gadget…And right behind him is Officer Big Gun. Ooops. Do you have anything “illegal” in your home. There are so many stupid laws on the books how would you know?

The poor and minority communities will be the first ones affected. And yet it was not those communities that spoke out against this. Why?

This is an issue that crosses all political and lines. Liberty is not that complicated.

On August 9th at 7 p.m. at City Hall (900 Church St) there will be another hearing about the proposed changes to the law. We had 50 people at the last meeting but we need 150 at this next meeting. Not ONE person spoke in favor of this change to the law. 19 spoke against. And yet instead of killing it the city council voted 4 to 3 to change the wording and then hold another hearing.

Please let your community know about this.

This will effect the minority communities before it ever touches anyone else.

Contact your City Representative and tell them you DO NOT support this absurdity.

Thank You,

Kurt Feigel

Lynchburg Tea Party President

P.S. Please watch the video coverage that this issue has gotten.

If you can not make it:
email these people and tell them your thoughts on the issue.

Supports the new law
Mayor Joan Foster (At Large):
Joan.Foster@lynchburgva.gov

Supports the new law
Vice-Mayor Ceasor Johnson (Ward 2):
ceasor.johnson@lynchburgva.gov

Supports the new law
Michael Gillette (Ward 1):
michael.gillette@lynchburgva.

Supports the new law
Randy Nelson (At Large):
randy.nelson@lynchburgva.gov

DOES NOT support the new law
Turner Perrow (Ward 4):
turner.perrow@lynchburgva.gov

DOES NOT support the new law
H. Cary (At Large):
H.cary@lynchburgva.gov

DOES NOT support the new law
Jeff Helgeson (Ward 3):
jeff@jeffhelgeson.com

I spoke with Congressman Robert Hurt today. I’ve spoken with him enough over the past year to know when he is truly frustrated and this is one of those times. He like many freshman congressman went to D.C. like Mr. Smith. Intent on changing things. Sent there with a purpose and a mission only to have that mission and purpose thwarted. On the issue of spending alone Hurt said ” It’s easy to believe that we won…but now is more important than ever that we stay focused”. He went on to reference that we are borrowing 40 cents of every dollar to the tune of 1.6 trillion every year with a national debt of over 14 Trillion dollars.

It’s “unsustainable” said Hurt, and not just as a platitude. He means it.

If you have listened to some of his floor speeches you can see that he is not the same quiet guy that left Southside back in January.

“Failure to address the problems now will lead to the failure of our nation…I’m not a pessimist as I believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel…I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t” The problem is that, as Hurt puts it, Washington D.C. “moves slow as molasses” .

As I talk to Tea Party leaders across the commonwealth of Virginia they all have the same message. CUT SPENDING. And yet it isn’t getting done. Not for lack of desire on the part of some. The message that isn’t really getting out is what caused this budget crisis? The budget that is being worked on and the “continuing resolutions” that have been passed so far have been for “Fiscal Year 2011″ a budget process that was started under the previous House controlled by Democrats. A Senate Controlled by Democrats. A Whitehouse controlled by a Democrat.

So why is all the blame being focused on the Republicans?

HR 1 the first bill of 2011 cut $100 Billion dollars in waste and abuse. A small dent to be sure, but the number one expenditure in our nation is entitlement spending. ” The big money reforms need to come from Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid or those systems will fail ” and he is right.

Robert Hurt was one of 47 Republicans that has stood his ground on spending according to Heritage.

47 Members (all Republicans) showed a rock-solid willingness to cut spending by voting for every spending cut:

* Amash, Bachmann, Broun, Campbell, Chabot, Chaffetz, Coffman, Duncan (TN), Duncan (SC), Flake, Fleming, Franks, Garrett, Gowdy, Graves (GA), Heller, Hensarling, Herger, Huelskamp, Huizenga, Hurt, Jenkins, Jordan, Lamborn, Mack, McClintock, McHenry, Miller (FL), Mulvaney, Myrick, Neugebauer, Paul, Pence, Pompeo, Price (GA), Ribble, Rokita, Royce, Scalise, Schweikert, Scott (GA), Scott (SC), Sessions, Walsh, Wilson, Woodall, and Young (IN).

In addition to that first 100 Billion Robert Hurt voted for almost $40 Billion more that was shot down by…say it with me…Democrats.

In a statement released via email today Hurt said:

We have taken important first steps to change course in Washington. I have voted to cut over $136 billion in government spending. I have voted to repeal and replace the Democrats’ health care law in its entirety, to repeal the onerous 1099 provision that burdens small businesses, and to de-fund provisions of the law when the House passed H.R. 1.

With rare exception such as his vote to extend the Patriot act I’ve not seen a lot that I should be concerned about.

The real blame needs to be focused on who is responsible for this mess: The Democratic Party.

I’m no friend of the establishment GOP. Their biggest problem is they think in terms of political calculations and not always about doing whats right. They like to throw out the “11th Commandment” and then throw solid representatives under the bus. All that said they are not the wrench in the gears here. Their biggest problem here is they think the truth alone is good enough. That you don’t need to sell the truth. Why? The democrats and Obama sell us lies all the time. Look at Libya. Look at the President today on TV criticizing the oil companies for not drilling when his administration won’t let them drill. A is A, unless you are Obama.

Schumer said he was:

“agonizing over whether to give in to right-wing demands that they abandon any compromise on their extreme cuts.”

“Extreme”? How about you cut 1.6 Trillion Dollars of the money we don’t have? I wouldn’t call that Extreme Chucky! I’d call that RESPONSIBLE!

The GOP Leaders need to hammer this point home at every opportunity:The Democratic leadership had over 1 year starting back in April of 2010 to begin and complete this budget which was supposed to be completed back in October. Instead they’ve been living on borrowed time and borrowed money. Our time and our money!They have been blaming the GOP for “not passing a budget” when it was the 111th Congress that didn’t get it done. Further they are demanding that the debt ceiling be raised to fund their insanity. As a Father I’m constantly telling my kids “money doesn’t grow on trees” but nobody has told these children running the ship of state. Instead, as usual after a game of kick the can, they are pointing the finger at the Republicans who dare to touch their third rails of politics. Sadly we haven’t even started on the Fiscal Year 2012 budget yet. 2 more great examples of the failures of Liberalism.

It’s too soon to throw out the representatives that are trying to get the job done. They are out there. Likely there are a few that are long past their expiration date. Robert Hurt isn’t one of them and anyone that thinks so after 3 months needs to get out of politics.

When the time comes to “shut down” the government my advice to Robert Hurt and anyone else that is serious would be to LET IT! Stand strong and confident that we support you. When it does shut down and the finger pointing begins make sure THE PEOPLE know the cold hard truth and nothing but the truth.

Sunday November 13, 2010

Contact:
Mark Lloyd
chairman@lynchburgteaparty.com

The Lynchburg Tea Party is endorsing Bill Stanley for Virginia Senate.

The Lynchburg Tea Party, in coordination with other Tea Party groups in Central Virginia, worked hard to get Bill Stanley elected as Fifth District Chairman and the membership has not regretted it.

“Bill has been a strong new voice for conservatism as Republican Chairman in Virginia’s Fifth Congressional District”

Said Mark Lloyd – Chairman, Lynchburg Tea Party

“Whenever we have needed anything such as support or information Bill Stanley has been there for us”

The Lynchburg Tea Party will work to help Bill Stanley win the race for Robert Hurt’s vacant seat in Virginia’s 19th Senate District.

” It is a breath of fresh air to see what Bill stands for…fiscal conservative like Ronald Regan…The Tea Parties are what the Republicans use to be. Hope [they] are listening and taking notes. ” Said Lynchburg Tea Party member Larry Lewis

Robert Hurt recently defeated Tom Perriello due in large part to the work of Bill Stanley as Chairman and the activism of 5th District Tea Party groups.

The principles that we adhere to are:

The 19th State Senate District encompasses parts of Campbell County and as a result directly impacts the membership of the Lynchburg Tea Party.

“We believe that Bill Stanley will further our goal of eliminating the establishment from the political landscape and we are excited to support him” Said Kurt Feigel – LTP Vice Chair

The Party Canvass will take place on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the six locations noted HERE

The decision to endorse was reached by polling the membership of the Lynchburg Tea Party. The support for Bill Stanley was overwhelming.

Mark Lloyd concluded by saying,  “Electing “good and true” conservatives like Bill Stanley is the only way to “repair the damage done by those who have previously placed their personal ambitions over the will of the voters.”

June 9th, 2010 – With the close of the GOP Primary race, the Lynchburg Tea Party is drawing a line in the sand. “We congratulate Robert Hurt on his recent victory. However, we cannot and will not endorse a candidate that does not align with our core principles,” said Kurt Feigel the LTP Communications Vice Chair.
Being an organization that stands on a set of principles forces the Lynchburg Tea Party to look long and hard at this race. “ More than anything,  our membership is hard set against Tom Perriello, but as an organization, that does not mean we will compromise our core principles and values in exchange for pragmatism” said Dana Hale, LTP Logistics Vice Chair
For some, this will raise the question of how determined the Tea Party in the 5th is in defeating Tom Perriello, Nancy Pelosi and Obama. Some point to this split as evidence of division within the tea party. On the contrary, standing firmly upon our core principles shows evidence of solidarity and strength within the organization.

“If the other tea party groups in the fifth district are not serious about standing on principle, then as Samuel Adams famously said, ‘Let your chains set lightly upon you, and let posterity forget you were ever our countrymen.’” said Feigel “This is bigger than one man. If we don’t take a stand now, then when exactly do we plan to do it?”
Mark Lloyd, the LTP Chairman said, “The LTP encourages individual members to get involved in the process to unseat Tom Perriello from Congress. We encourage our members to support the candidate they believe will best accomplish this goal in keeping with our core values which are limited government, fiscal responsibility, free and fair markets, personal liberty based on personal responsibility, and Constitutional governance.” He went on to explain that all LTP members must, “…choose for themselves, the right candidate for that role.” For some, it is clear there is going to be a struggle between pragmatism and principle. “At this point, as a Tea Party organization, I don’t foresee the endorsement of any candidates during this election cycle.”
“The leadership of the Lynchburg Tea Party believes  the ignorance and apathy of so many who call themselves Americans has led the nation and the 5th district to where it is. It is time we educate citizens to their duty. It is quite a sad situation that less than 10% of voters made the decision for the rest of the district…this has got to stop,” said Feigel.
The LTP will begin seminars and movie screenings starting in July that will facilitate this educational process.
The lack of a candidate endorsement this election cycle does not mean the LTP and it’s members are not going to be actively following this race. All candidates are invited, and welcome to visit, including Tom Perriello. However, the Lynchburg Tea Party will dictate the forum.  Any candidate that chooses to accept our invitation will be treated with respect, allowed time to make prepared remarks, but required to spend time answering direct questions from the members in attendance.
“It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters.” — Daniel Webster

National Tea Party Federation calls for Federal Government to Execute its Constitutional Duty
Defend the borders and protect US citizens
Enforce existing immigration laws already on the books

May 3, 2010 – The National Tea Party Federation (NTPF) in a statement of support for the citizens of Arizona, calls on the Federal government to perform its constitutional duty and enforce existing immigration laws and secure our sovereign borders. It is in the national security, and economic interest of this nation that the appropriate actions be taken.

The illegal entry of foreign nationals, drug and human trafficking, has had a devastating effect on the border communities. It has caused undue hardship on border residents, and led to untold human suffering of illegal foreign nationals. In addition, there has been a significant increase in murder, home invasions, kidnappings, and robberies, especially in the state of Arizona.

Toby Walker, President of the Waco Tea Party stated, “While the focus of criticism seems to be that the state of Arizona decided to act in its best interests, we in Texas understand the frustration by the lack of action from the Federal Government in protecting our borders. Representatives in our own state are now calling for a similar law to be passed in Texas. When the Federal Government does not execute its Constitutional duties, the states must act to protect its citizens.”

Jason Hoyt of the Orlando Tea Party commented, “The left is trying to make this about race. It is not. This is about the rights of states and their respective responsibility to protect their citizenry. The border must be secured and the crime, drug dealing and human trafficking that now engulfs the border states must be dealt with before we discuss immigration reform. I’m proud of the state of Arizona for exercising their state’s rights and no longer waiting for the Federal government.”

Robin Stublen president of Punta Gorda Tea Party said, “The failure by the Federal Government to meet its obligations under the Constitution resulted in the passage of a new state law by Arizona. We respect and support the leaders of Arizona in their effort to restore order in their state and protect their citizens. We can all agree that more must be done and that our borders must be protected. However, until the Federal Government and those elected decide to take the necessary steps to properly secure our borders against trespassing by foreign nationals, we support Arizona and urge other states to adopt the Arizona law as well. It is not only their right under Article 4 Section 4, but their duty to protect their citizens and their property.

Jerry Clark, President of the Las Cruces Tea Party said, “New Mexico is a diverse state. We embrace legal immigration and the enforcement of our laws. However, Arizona is acting in its best interests for its people. The Federal Government has done little to secure our borders and we expect more. A nation without borders is not a nation and the Obama administration has shown no interest in performing one of the key Constitutional duties enumerated in the Constitution, protecting our national security.”

As a nation of immigrants we honor those foreign nationals who reside within our sovereign boundaries legally by obeying visa and residency laws. We welcome and acknowledge those following the legal and reasonable process to become proud, naturalized citizens of the United States.

For further information or to register and participate in the National Tea Party Federation, log on to www.thenationalteapartyfederation.com.

About the National Tea Party Federation (NTPF):

The Federation is a broad coalition of national and regional Tea Party groups committed to improving communications between local, regional, and national tea party organizations.  Our purpose is to facilitate and support clarity of message, rapid response to media misinformation, and to continue to collaborate and promote the movement’s core principles of Fiscal Responsibility, Constitutionally Limited Government, and Free Markets.

Contacts:

Christina Botteri

christina.k.bo@gmail.com

Phone: 916-315-8989

Diane Clohesy

dclohesy@mac.com

Phone: 310-266-0477