National movement sparks local discussion
about 'big government'

By Michael Freeman

It’s finally Election Day, and the tea party movement’s influence on the Republican Party will finally show its actual power. The wave began in 2009 and is now a high profile national campaign. The group advocates lower taxes, less governmental intervention, and a return to the tradition of the Constitution. On Oct. 12, Waddell Elementary School hosted a tea party forum. At the event Republican Congressman Bob Goodlatte spoke about party ideals. Some local Democratic leaders, including the president of Washington and Lee's College Democrats, Summer Lollie, and chairman of the Rockbridge County Democratic Committee, Joe Skovira, have a mixed opinion of the tea party. They admire the degree of excitement the movement has inspired, but they feel it lacks focus.

Click here for more information
about the tea party movement

To learn more about the tea party movement
in Virginia, click here

Contact The Rockbridge Report
at rockbridgereport@wlu.edu
540.458.8432

Produced by Washington and Lee Journalism Students

Producers:
Anne Vesoulis and Caroline Helms

Lead Supervisor:
Claudette Artwick

Editing Supervisor:
Doug Cumming and Pamela K. Luecke

Technical Supervisor:
Michael Todd