Kitsap Patriots form Tea Party - with Republicans courting Support

Friday the 13^th seemed a bit unlikely for such an auspicious assembly but packed under an open air shed at the waterfront park in Silverdale, Washington, yesterday, more than 250 people gathered to formally “kick off” the Kitsap Patriots Tea Party organization. Sixteen months ago, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D) called the Tea Party an “Astroturf campaign” and many pundits believed that it would fade as quickly as it arrived. Apparently “Tea Partiers” didn’t listen. Complete with pot-luck, children at play, grandparents, music and politicians seeking support, the so-called “radical fringe insurgency” is still growing strong.

It felt somehow appropriate that a local candidate for Kitsap County Commissioner, Abby Burlingame (R), would help open the formal proceeding by singing the national anthem, and she did it so well that I suspect it will earn her votes. I had a great conversation with Abby after the event. A long time Republican, Abby acknowledged that Republicans have history of alienating some people. She says she is working hard to overcome that and sees the Tea Party as a beneficial way to listen and get out her message for sustainable budgets, jobs, and accountability.

Keynote speakers for the evening included American’s for Prosperity’s Kirby Wilbur, Keli “Liberty Belle” Carender, and Bob Williams of the Evergreen Freedom Foundation. Several regional conservative candidates were also present to enlist support and spend time at the podium. Here are a few quotes from the many choice memories.

“We have good news. November is coming!” Kirby Wilbur and others…

Kirby Wilbur: “It was the Tea Party that gave Republicans the courage to say no,” “to oppose Obama,” “to find their way.” “The Tea Party said, “no”, first.”

Keli Carender reading from Palin-style hand notes with great amusement of the crowd. “We rented our house out to politicians… we are kicking out the bad renters” and “moving from the political class back to the people.” “We have to be active; we have to be present.”

Bob Williams: “The Tea Party is a warning shot to Republicans.” “Wake up and get back to basic principles.” “Freedom is the duty of every citizen.”

James Watkins (R) for Congressional District 1: “We can’t afford our government anymore.”

Matthew Burke (R) for Congressional District 1: “I am the radical Republican that believes the Constitution says what it means and means what it says.” “Abolish the failed Department of Education, Fannie and Freddie.”

Dan Griffey (R) for the 35th Legislative District - Pos 2: “The nanny state isn’t working anymore…” “We need to educate not indoctrinate.”

Linda Simpson (R) for the 35th Legislative District - Pos 1: “Government is running like a special interest group.”

Doug Cloud (R) for Congressional District 6: “We’re fighting for the God-given right to self determination.”

James Olsen (R) for 23rd Legislative District - Pos 2: “I am proud to be pro-life. I am proud to be pro-family. I am proud to be pro-military.”

These are just a few of the messages sent by candidates and I have to say, it seems almost unimaginable to me that anyone would think of this kind of assembly something more menacing than a patriotic and a sincere effort to remind politicians that government earns power through the consent of the people. Of course, if you believe in socialism over the republic in which we stand, then I suppose it could scare the hell out of you.

November is coming.

Photos: top left; Abby Burlingame sings the National Anthem, center left to right; Kirby Wilbur, Keli "Liberty Belle" Carender and Bob Williams, lower right; first designed U.S. Navy Jack "Don't Tread On Me" flag.

Picnic Politics on the Kitsap Peninsula

Was it a picnic, a pep talk, or a conservative think tank with some of the most active and influential movers in Kitsap County? Graciously hosted at her beautiful Poulsbo home by Kitsap County Republican Chairman Sandy LaCelle, the KCRP Summer Picnic turned out to be a bit of all three. I can’t say I’ve had the pleasure to be amongst so many conservative movers and shakers since the 2010 Convention in Vancouver.

Some of the honored guests in attendance, pictured and identified clockwise because it is just seems wrong to say “left”, are: “Firefighter” Dan Griffey for Washington State Representative 35^th District; Doug Cloud for Congress, Washington State 6^th District; James Watkins for Congress, Washington State 1^st District; James Olsen for Washington State Representative 23^rd District; and Pete Deboer also for a Washington State Representative spot, 23^rd District. Not pictured here were special guest Kirby Wilbur and other notable personalities.

It didn’t surprise anyone for Kirby Wilbur to show up. As a widely respected personality with a long affection for Kitsap County, children playing in the pool didn’t distract one word during his keynote pep talk.

“Jobs,” he said, and holding up his wallet to emphasize the point, “this is the most important thing in this election.” Kirby implored the diverse crowd to not get distracted with unproductive messaging. “We can’t just say we’re not them; we have to say what we’re going to do about it.” This was a key message because it helped clarify that it just wasn’t about what conservatives were “going to do about it” but what they were doing about it right now. You bet, Coach, it’s pep talk time.

“There is a lot you can do by not doing,” he said. “We can still lose this election!” Kirby went on to warn about the implied progressive mandate as the result of a conservative failure. “If you think it is bad now,” I overheard in the crowd.

Then easing the mood as only Kirby Wilbur can do at a moment like this, he embellished a Churchill quote, “or was it Yoda?” [Personally, I think Yoda smoked cigars and probably said it first... Churchill was a Jedi] “It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what is required,” said Sir Winston Churchill. The point, Kirby emphasized, was that supporters need to have more than just a “yes we can” spirit during the campaign, they need to have done those things required to say, “yes we did” after the votes have been counted.

Kirby also stressed the importance and value of Tea Party organizations and said. “I give credit to the Tea Parties for saying, "Not with my country... not with my country."

Other informative from snippets worth mentioning…

In a short discussion with James Watkins about the financial gap between he and incumbent Jay Inslee, “We can’t outspend them but we can outwork them.” He expects the gap to get much smaller after the primary.

Before meeting James Olsen for the first time, I asked an onlooker what he thought about the first time candidate. “He’s not afraid to open his mouth,” he said. In response, James smiled broadly and quipped, “Truth in power.” I imagine we will be hearing much more about James Olsen.

It was a productive weekend for conservative politics on the Kitsap Peninsula.