Posted on 11/06/2009 3:18:13 PM PST by markomalley
Whether you call it a rally, press conference or "House Call," Republicans think Thursday's Capitol Hill Tea Party was a success -- and they are crediting Rep. Michele Bachmann for having the pizazz to increase turnout and press coverage.
"We didn't know what to expect, we didn't know what kind of energy would be there, but this thing took a life of its own," Brendan Buck, spokesman for the Republican Study Committee, told TPMDC.
"It came together better than we ever imagined it would in terms of size and energy," he said.
After chatting with press aides from various Republican offices, here's what we know.
Bachmann (R-MN) came up with the idea last Thursday and announced it Friday night.
Saturday morning, Republican members started spreading the word among one another and leadership, Rep. Steve King and others decided to participate. All week leadership staffers put together the details and speaking program, while others pulled permits and got the sound system organized. (The undisclosed costs will be shared among several Republican offices.)
Throughout the week, some members announced the would participate but Bachmann took the lead with generating press and several mom groups took up her cause and organized buses to Washington.
"At first, we were hoping for 500 people, we didn't try to hype up expectations," Buck said. "It took a lot of people by surprise to see all these folks come out."
Somewhere in the neighborhood of between 8,000 and 10,000 people turned out - many organized through state parties and conservative groups but plenty on their own time and dime.
As TPMDC reported earlier, they are planning another one for tomorrow.
A GOP aide said the conference is grateful for Bachmann's efforts, and that Republicans credit her with helping excite the base in a way that could help the party in 2010.
"She is very helpful and very talented in getting those folks energized and I don't think our conference would be complete without her," the aide said.
Republicans consider her a "firebrand," and some are still "skittish" about the things she says and does but find her a unique asset for her ability to attract attention.
Yesterday's event had coattails as well, with Republican political candidates aiming to get the Tea Party seal of approval.
While at the rally, TPMDC interviewed Rob Merkle, who wants to challenge Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT).
Merkle delivered 400 petitions to Himes' office from the Congressional district that ask he vote to keep the government out of health care decisions.
"I believe in stopping health care," Merkle told TPMDC. "People don't want it."
He accused Democrats and Speaker Nancy Pelosi of trying to "marginalize" tea partiers as fringe.
"I don't detect a lot of anger, what I detect is frustration," he said. "These are normal every day Americans just trying to have their voices heard."
Palin-Bachmann Overdrive 2012 ;)
Why does she seem to get more attractive the more she charges hard?
I don’t know what it is, but she has a charisma that is growing by leaps and bounds.
Minority Leader, anyone???
GO BACHMANN!!
and she’s ANTI-AMNESTY!!
Rep Bachmann is already feared by the Democraps. I heard one of them describe her thusly: “She makes Sarah Palin look like a member of Mensa.” They must demonize and demean their opposition, especially attractive women, because they can’t refute them on the issues.
Would they be RINOS?
“How about Speaker Bachman in 2010”
I like the sound of that!
>>>Minority Leader, anyone???<<<
Nice idea, but I’m aiming higher. Speaker of the House after the 2010 midterms.
I’m not sure if the GOP will win big enough in 2010 to take control of the House. Nice idea, though. :-)
Most Dems have never seen an attractive woman...nor honest man, for that matter!
I’m referring to right NOW...dump Boehner & go w/ Bachmann!
Only a democrap would say that about someone with two law degrees.
Then elect Sarah as President in 2012 and all three of them would just explode.
When she started earlier, she seemed tepid and nervous. She is becoming a butterfly that stings like a bee.
I think Bachmann should be considered for a national position.
Watch for Team Obama to attack the “right to peacefully assemble” next...
She is great...the ultimate anti-RINO. Smart, attractive, and defends her positions with a smile on her face and dogged determination.
But she has a sting like a bee. If she was majority leader she would be able to stand up to these people and say no.
The problem in the past is no one is willing to say no. They all want to get along get along.
That’s got to stop, no more you vote for my pork, I will vote for yours.
Isn’t that what H1N1 is for?
Touche’
Add Katrina Van den Huevel to that list and it’ll be considered ‘conservative porn’!
Bachmann has gonads whereas there are none among the leaderhsip of the GOP including Newt and Steele. LOL
Bachmann and Palin have more guts, spine, and gonads than the rest of the eunuchs!
Bachmann was AWESOME yesterday....as always. She’s principled, smart, graceful, classy, and poised. A liberal’s worst nightmare.
Bachmann-Palin or Palin-Bachmann 2012
Either way, America wins.
Whereas I agree with, and Like Michelle Bachmann, Mike Pence, et all..WE have to be wary of the Republican Party Stealing the Tea Party Movement. If they Co-opt it; it will die.
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