Politics & Government

Tea Party Express To Enter Wisconsin's Recall Fray

Organization plans multiple stops throughout the state to support six Republican lawmakers targeted in the recall elections.

The Tea Party Express will be rolling through Wisconsin starting next week to support the six Republican state senators targeted in the upcoming recall elections.

The group, which has organized rallies throughout the country that feature speakers such as Sarah Palin, Joe the Plumber, Michelle Bachmann and Ann Coulter, will hold rallies from Aug. 5 through Aug. 8, the Monday before the recall elections that have thrust Wisconsin into the national spotlight.

“Wisconsin has become ground zero in the fight between corrupt big-union bosses and the fiscally responsible conservatives, which are trying to usher in legislative policies that will fix their state’s budget,” the organization states on its website.

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Levi Russell, a spokesman for the Tea Party Express, told Patch that his organization thought it was important to support the GOP senators.

"We’re headed to the state to rally and help get out the vote in support of the state senators who we feel have been unfairly targeted by the left as a means to punish Gov. (Scott) Walker," Russell said in an e-mail.

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A detailed schedule for the rallies is expected to be released on Friday.

In October, Sarah Palin kicked off the Tea Party Express’ final tour in Nevada. The Tea Party Express is the highest profile organization representing the unofficial Tea Party movement. The organization has raised millions in last-minute media blitzes that have been attributed to conservative political victories throughout the country.

Sen. Robert Cowles, Sen. Alberta Darling, Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, Sen. Luther Olsen, Sen. Randy Hopper and Sen. Dan Kapanke will all be defending their seats when voters go to the polls on Aug. 9.

Here are the times and locations of the upcoming Tea Party Express Rallies:

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5

Noon – 1:30pm : Rally in Hudson,  bandshell

5:30pm – 7:00pm : Rally in La Crosse, Copeland Park Oktoberfest Shelter

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

2:30pm – 4:00pm : Rally in Kenosha, TBA

5:30pm – 7:00pm : Rally in Milwaukee, TBA

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7

11:00am – 12:30pm : Rally in Fond du Lac, Village Park

2:30pm – 4:00pm : Rally in New London, Crystal Falls Banquet Facility

6:00pm – 7:30pm : Rally in Merrill, TBA

MONDAY, AUGUST 8

Noon – 1:30pm : Rally in Rhinelander, TBA

5:00pm – 6:30pm : Rally in DePere, Legends Brewhouse and Eatery

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Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Joe the Plumber would be attending some of the Wisconsin recall rallies. A Tea Party Express spokesman said he is not expected to come to Wisconsin.


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