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Posted: Apr. 7, 2017 12:50 am

HAMPTON -- A Democratic candidate for state Senate spoke at a Skylands Tea Party meeting with hopes of finding some measure of common ground, but it didn't take long for the guns to come out. Metaphorically speaking, of course.

Jennifer Hamilton, a state Senate candidate in the 24th Legislative District, was invited to speak at the Skylands Tea Party's monthly meeting at the Hampton Diner on Wednesday night by the group's president, Doug Amedeo.

Prior to giving the floor to Hamilton, Amedeo explained his reasoning for inviting a Democrat to his fellow conservatives.

"Jennifer opposes the gas tax and has said she wants to be a fiscally responsible state senator," he said. "I wanted to know what she meant by that, and I think she should tell us."

Amedeo later said, "We need to get past treating political parties like sports teams," and encouraged the group to be respectful.

Hamilton spoke for just under 10 minutes and almost immediately hit her stated goal -- and campaign slogan, "Joining Together to Bridge the Divide" -- of identifying similarities between opposing political ideologies.

She asked the room who thought their taxes were too high and nearly every hand went up. Hamilton asked her small contingent of Democratic supporters in the room -- which included Sussex County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Leslie Huhn and 24th District Assembly candidate Michael Pirog -- the same, and all of their hands were raised as well.

"We have just found common ground," Hamilton said to a small spattering of applause. "It's a start."

Hamilton said her goal in running for state Senate is to "find those common problems that we all see every single day" and find a way to fix them.

The 34-year-old attorney from Sparta said she was "under no illusion" that her speaking at the meeting would sway voters in the room but that she hoped it would start a dialogue.

"I think (dialogue) is something that we have been missing," Hamilton said. "I think it is something that is so important, and I think it's something that we should all demand from our representatives."

Hamilton expressed her views about the sagging local economy -- she called it her "biggest arch-nemesis" -- as well infrastructure, property values/taxes and the gas tax increase.

"These are problems that I believe are universal and they transcend party lines," she said. "If I were in Trenton, those are the issues that I'm going to fight for."

She acknowledged there were issues where Democrats and Tea Partiers were going to disagree. Once Hamilton had finished speaking, the group posed numerous questions to her about those wedge issues, including the one everyone in the room knew was coming: firearms.

Skylands Tea Party Vice President William Hayden, who just last week entered the GOP primary to challenge state Sen. Steve Oroho, R-24th Dist., was the first to speak up.

"Second Amendment. Where are you?" Hayden asked.

Hamilton didn't back away from the topic: "What are your concerns?" she asked.

Hayden said he was in favor of concealed carry in the state, to which Hamilton said Sussex and Warren counties were "two of the safest" in New Jersey.

"But I have no concerns about us and our gun ownership here in Sussex County," she said. "I have no problem with people having firearms. ... I have no intention of bringing legislation that's going to restrict any of your rights to own a gun."

Hamilton's thoughts on pension payments to state employees -- a statewide political battle that has divided political parties from within in recent years -- also were questioned.

"I believe that benefits that are given to employees for their service, for their hard work, for their loyalty and their commitment ... they've been paying into that system," Hamilton said. "I think that those are not negotiable. What is negotiable, however, is the future of those pension systems."

The other hot topic of the night was sanctuary cities. A Tea Party member questioned Hamilton's view on a bill sponsored by state Sen. Brain Stack, D-33rd Dist., which the Democratic candidate deferred answering until she had more information about the legislation. When pressed on the larger issue, Hamilton said she believed sanctuary cities were acceptable in certain instances but agreed with the group that finding ways to reduce illegal immigration need to be worked on.

Hamilton's appearance at the meeting was met with civility, and several members of the Skylands Tea Party said afterward that they appreciated her willingness to address a "hostile crowd."

But not everyone was pleased at Hamilton's appearance. After the small group of Democrats left the diner, a woman who had abruptly left when the candidate began speaking returned to the room and expressed her "outrage."

"We had a Democrat in here -- those Democrats are at war with us," the woman said. "I'm outraged that the Tea Party would even consider being polite to these people. They have no business being at our meetings."

After the meeting, Hayden admitted he was surprised Hamilton had been invited to speak and said he would have to "put out some fires" with a few members.

"I thought she did good," Hayden said of his potential general election opponent. "She walked into the lion's den, don't get me wrong. She's a very affable person."

For her part, Hamilton said there were a lot of "good moments" in the nearly h our-long back-and-forth with the Skylands Tea Party.

"I hope I started a dialogue," she said. "I really do. I don't know that anyone's minds are going to be changed, but perhaps when they're thinking about the issues and the voice that they want to represent them, they'll look and say, At least this is a person who is willing to listen.' "

Freeholder candidate speaks too

A 2017 GOP primary candidate for Sussex County freeholder was also afforded a chance to speak to the Skylands Tea Party on Wednesday night. Ailish Hambel, the former chair of the Sussex County GOP committee, was invited by Hayden.

Hambel is running against Herb Yardley in a contested primary for one, three-year term on the freeholder board. Democratic freeholder candidate Daniel Perez awaits the winner of the Republican primary.

Hambel spoke about her journey that started as an Irish immigrant to the U.S. to eventually becoming a Sparta Township councilwoman and business owner.

"I want you to understand that I feel very, very qualified," she said. "I am very conservative. I listened to all of you and I agree with this room completely."

Phoebus run in 2019?

Assemblywoman Gail Phoebus, R-24th Dist., was the third and final speaker of the evening.

Phoebus, whose departure last week from the state Senate primary challenge to Oroho opened the door for Hayden's campaign, said she dropped her campaign bid because of financial concerns and wanting to spend time with her family.

However, Phoebus casually mentioned her political career was not yet over.

"Trust me, I'm not done," she said. "I'm going to run the next time around for my Assembly seat again."

David Danzis can also be contacted on Facebook: ddanzisNJH, on Twitter: @ddanzisNJH, or by phone: 973-383-1274.

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Tea Party hears from candidates, even a Democrat - New Jersey Herald

Bev Courtney, member and former president of the Las Cruces Tea Party shares her views on why she got involved with the group, President Trump, and immigration on this episode of "In Focus."

Bev Courtney is former president and a current member of the Las Cruces Tea Party. Courtney on a recent episode of In Focus shares why she got involved with the organization.

There was so many people there, and there was high energy, I liked the things they said, I agreed with them, says Courtney.

Courtney says she is a supporter of President Donald Trump. She says Trump was successful in his campaign, because his message resonated with people like her.

He talked about lowering taxes, about building the wallIm not going to say that I am for the wall, but I am for equal justice under the law, says Courtney.

Bev Courtney says when she heard Trump was running for President she thought that due to his wealth, he would not be able to be bought.

We all know, if you follow the money it really will undermine the American values, says Courtney.

President Donald Trump has selected billionaires and also millionaires to serve in his cabinet, and when asked if she thought Trumps cabinet members could understand the challenges that are facing working families today she says that she can only hope so.

All I can hope for is that their values are the right place, says Courtney.

Education Secretary Betsey DeVos nomination was approved as the Secretary of Education after Vice-President Mike Pence voted to break a tie in the U.S. Senate to confirm DeVos. Courtney says that DeVos shares her values.

Im conservative, Im family values, says Courtney.

When asked about immigration enforcement Courtney says that she doesnt have the answers, but she individually is concerned about people who may be in the country illegally and may have never been convicted of a crime.

I would like to see them have a path to citizenship, because right now they are like slaves, if they are exploited by not paying a proper wage. says Courtney about individuals in that situation being underpaid. Also, Courtney questioned that parents who may be in the country illegally may not notify law enforcement if any crimes are committed against their children.

Courtney says the Tea Party wants Peace and Safety, Fair Taxes, and working families to be able to prosper, and give their kids the opportunities that that they have had.

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Las Cruces Tea Party Member Shares Thoughts On President Trump And Other Issues - KRWG

This week, Vice President Mike Pence hatched a plan to fix Obamcare with legislation that would allow states to opt-out of the law entirely. The tea party members of Congress, who are members of the so-called Freedom Caucus, have killed the new proposal, however.

In a report from The Guardian, Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY) confessed that he feels like the conservative members keep moving the goal posts on Republicans attempting to pass a bill.

We built them a bridge, said Collins. All they have to do is walk across. He added, simply: The problem is with Freedom Caucus.

But Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) disagreed, saying that his caucus has voted over and over again to repeal Obamacare and that is all they are interested in doing. According to him, the Republicans like Pence and President Donald Trump who say that they want to keep parts of Obamacare have not only moved the goalposts, theyve taken out the stadium, chopped em up and burned them.

Former House Speaker John Boehner laughed off the idea that the GOP would be capable of doing anything to get rid of Obamacare.

Republicans never ever agree on health care, he said in Nov. 2016. Most of the framework of the Affordable Care Act thats going to be there.

Wednesday, right-wing groups attacked the moderate wing of the GOP for what they claim derailed the repeal of Obamacare.

Were looking at ways to get our message out, vice president of Heritage Action, Dan Holler told The Guardian. It was a hint that the political group might be running attack ads against moderate Republicans he believes are the obvious hurdle.

David McIntosh president of Club for Growth called them the left wing of the GOP, saying that they werent willing to compromise or keep their pledge to their voters to repeal Obamacare.

Collins called it nothing more than a fundraising ploy but moderates have refused to pass a bill that removes protections for those with pre-existing conditions and removes maternity care, mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Trumps administration told Republicans that they would like the bill by the end of the week.

Mark Meadows (R-NC), who chairs the Freedom Caucus, claimed that he was still hopeful a bill could come to the House floor.

I am still optimistic that everybody is working in good faith and hopefully it will happen this week. However, he remarked: Its important to set realistic expectations that passing a bill between now and Friday is still a Herculean task.

The rest is here:
Trumpcare 2.0 dead-on-arrival as Tea Party blocks Pence intervention - Raw Story

From Texas Standard:

Congressman Ted Poe (R-Humble) surprised observers last week when he announced he would leave the House Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative lawmakers whose opposition to the American Health Care Act (AHCA) put them at odds with President Donald Trump and House leadership.

The Freedom Caucus, which consists mainly of House members who identify with the Tea Party movement, opposed Obamacare, and most other initiatives of the previous administration, but had supported President Trump reliably until the AHCA debate.

Poe says the Freedom Caucus needs to evolve from an insurgency into a group that exercises power in a Congress that is now dominated by the Republican Party.

What has occurred, especially in the healthcare legislation [is that] the Freedom Caucus quit being the party of opposition to the previous administration, but became the party of opposition to the current Republican conference, he says.

On why the Freedom Caucus was formed:

The purpose of the Freedom Caucus was to offer conservative principles on legislation...to offer a strong conservative voice to the previous administrations legislation. Thats why it was started.

On whether the group remains relevant, with Republicans in control of Congress and the White House:

This was all part of the founding of the Freedom Caucus to have a seat at the table in the Republican Conference. And the Freedom Caucus now has a seat at the table in the Republican conference. But in this latest legislation [the group] became the party of opposition to the Republican party. And that prevented legislation from getting passed.

On why he announced his intention to leave the Freedom Caucus:

I thought it was important that my constituents, the people in Texas understand the reason I was leaving the Freedom Caucus. Because the Freedom Caucus had become the opposition party in the Republican party and was really stonewalling legislation at the time.

On whether splits among conservative House members could lead to a war within the Republican Party:

No, I dont think so. At the end of the day, we still have Obamacare, and thats the problem. Conservatives and Im still as strong a conservative as anybody here have to get legislation passed. We have to lead. Otherwise were stuck with the same situation...Were not going to get everything we want in legislation.

On whether the President and Congressional Republicans can get things accomplished with the Freedom Caucus opposing some initiatives:

Yes. I believe so...The Freedom Caucus now has a seat at the table in the Republican Conference. Its not being ignored anymore. And i think that is very important that the Freedom Caucus and other members of the Republican Party all get their input on legislation before we actually vote on it. And now thats occurring and I think the conservative principles of the Freedom Caucus will continue to have an impact on legislation.

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Rep. Ted Poe Says The Freedom Caucus Needs To Focus On Passing Legislation - KUT

Fine china, along with animal-themed tea pots, graced the tables at The Venue in St. Amant.

And Mrs. Potts, the teapot from "Beauty and The Beast," would have been proud of the tea party 7-year-old cancer survivor Lily Raffray hosted Sunday to raise money for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.

Lily was diagnosed with Stage 1 Hodgkin lymphoma at the start of kindergarten when she was 5 years old. She received chemotherapy from both St. Jude and its Baton Rouge affiliate, Our Lady of the Lake.

Raffrays family started Team Lily Raffray to raise funds for St. Jude. The family helped raise money last year by participating in the St. Jude Half Marathon. To date, the team has raised nearly $18,000.

Lilys treatment was short, compared to others, said Lilys mother, Juliet Raffray. Eight cycles of chemo, but we wanted to give back to St. Jude. Any parent that goes through this wants to help out.

Lilys grandmother, Vanessa Babin, said Lily helped come up with the tea party idea.

We would have our own tea parties with just Lily and myself, Babin said. Then, Lily wanted to invite family and friends to the tea parties. After her diagnosis and treatment, we thought a tea party would be a great fundraiser because Lily likes tea parties.

Each year, the tea party has been held attendance has increased, Juliet Raffray said. This years attendance sold out at 158 people.

Its fun to get dressed up, Lily said. I really like having the tea party and having lots of people come.

The event also included coloring pages for the girls in attendance, a photo booth, silent auction and a raffle for an LSU quilt.

Lisa Bonin, of Prairieville, brought her daughter 1- year-old Molly.

Its a different kind of fundraiser. Its fun to see all the dresses, Bonin said.

Linda Mayers, who represented her sorority, Beta Eta, sold raffle tickets for the quilt made by Joy Mahaffery.

I just love the fact that its a tea party, Mayers said. All the dressing up is really nice. It gives the little girls a chance to be little girls and attend a real tea party.

The menu included chicken salad sandwiches, peanut butter sandwiches, scones, teacakes, muffins, cupcakes and petits fours. Babin said the food and drinks were donated by local businesses.

Megan Starkey attended with 2-year-old daughter Grace.

Lily is a student at the school I teach, St. Amant Primary, Starkey said. Its wonderful to see the community come together. We have pretend tea parties at home, so a real one is a lot of fun.

Kristie Riviere, brought her daughters, Anna, 5 and Addison, 4.

We had fun picking out the bows and putting on makeup, Riviere said. We were going to wear hats, but decided to go with bows instead.

Jessie Weber, who donned a hat, had tea with daughters Kate, 4, and Abbey, 3.

Its a wonderful organization and a great opportunity to get out and spend time with our daughters, Weber said.

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St. Amant tea party raises money for cancer research - The Advocate