Charlotte Tea Party Headquarters

Nothing to be ashamed of, but it's hard to fight those who just flip one lever and vote the party line. Your organization was professional in all aspects and I'd work again for it if you decide to run again, if I still live in the county.

FYI, from John Locke Foundation

I had a phone call months ago with Ridihour just before a public meeting and felt he needed to be careful with his protests. I was VERY concerned that the group was MIA when we had a Republican President in office last year and where was the group when the banks were getting cash with no strings attached? To his credit he told me he called ALOT of elected officials with concerns of the great bank bailout.

BUT! I also received a phone call from Tariq that same day with concerns with what I said to Ridihour. I saw allot of connections with current and former elected officials with that group. I was very happy to see Ridenhour file for office as I felt his group was being USED by insiders in the Mecklenburg GOP. The downside was that I suspected this could hurt the GOP chances in the general election. It appears that it split the republican votes. Tariq WAS close to the Tea Party people but I would not say he was a card carrying member of that group. They have every right though under the US Constitution to speak out. I wish Tariq and Ridenhour the best.

Matt,

Am very pleased that you ran.  We have been shouting at our TVs for a long time.  After the rant of Santelli, people all across the nation became a cohesive unit demanding to be heard.  Thank you for coordinating our voices in Meck County.  You ran, but lost.  Please don't let this stop you from running again.  The Tea Party Movement has many challenges that need leaders like you.