Maricopans invited to ‘first ever’ Tea Party gathering

“I invite any voter, who feels disenfranchised and has a preconception of the Tea Party, to come out,” said Steve Smith, District 23 state senator.

The Tea Party in Maricopa will hold their inaugural gathering at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, at The Villages in Rancho El Dorado clubhouse, 20991 N. Butterfield Parkway. Guest speakers will include: Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu, State Senate President Russell Pearce and John Fillmore, state representative for District 23.

“It’s rare to have these important figures together at the same time, and I’m looking forward to it,” said Smith, who added the meeting is not just for Republicans. “Democrats and Independents are welcomed.”

“The Tea Party is for any and all citizens who are tired of the way the government has been handling our money and power,” said Irene Littleton, organizer of the event. “We believe in the Constitution, what our country was built on, and we want to adhere to the Republic that was built by it. We are making great progress in having citizens’ voices heard in the halls of the Capitol. The USA does not have ordinary citizens; we have heroes in every respect, and the Tea Party allows all citizens to participate.”

"I'm excited to speak at our Maricopa Tea Party this Tuesday,” said Babeu. “I encourage anyone interested to join us. We need more citizens to join in the fight to reduce the size of the federal government, make elected officials responsive to those they represent and to defend our constitutional freedoms."

Refreshments will be served at the meeting, and people will be able to meet with the political officials in attendance.

“We felt there was a need in Maricopa, and the Tea Party has a tremendous following here,” said Littleton. “We will talk about how and why the Tea Party was formed, and we will have testimony on ‘why I joined the Tea Party.’ I am extremely pleased with our high profile guest speakers, and we are encouraging the audience to participate in our discussion.”

For more information and to RSVP: www.the912projectpinalcounty.ning.com.