Tuesday night's stormy weather didn't stop some concerned locals from coming out to the Christ's Church at Whitewater in Fayetteville to hear candidates talk about "deeply imbedded" issues in the federal and state government.
A handful of candidates briefly weighed in on various topics, such as government spending and constitutional rights at the conservative forum, called "Where Is My Country and What Have You Done With Her?"
The turnout was considerably low compared to the other local Tea Party events held this election cycle. Nonetheless, tremendous enthusiasm was shown by the audience as candidates urged supporters to help "take back our government" and asked the public to vote for them in the July 20 primary elections.
Shelby Barker spoke on behalf of Jeff Chapman, a Republican gubernatorial candidate who was unable to attend the forum.
The representative showed a campaign video of Chapman, telling people why they should vote for him opposed to the other six Republican candidates vying for the state's highest seat.
Barker said Chapman, who is a lesser known candidate in his party, is different because he is "the guy willing to stand up for people who are voting for their principles."
The night's moderator then showed a campaign video of Georgia Insurance Commissioner candidate Gerry Purcell. He was also absent from the event due to a death in his family.
In the video, the Toccoa, Ga. native said his goal was to make Georgia insurance the "model for the nation".
In his address, Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate Chuck Donovan said "it's not the law, but the Declaration that sets the tone for everything we're supposed to do afterward."
Donovan, a retired pilot and U.S. Marine, said citizens' rights "existed before the government and not after."
Pointing out what he called wrongdoings by government, Donovan said "within 10 years, 90 percent of your tax money will go to pay interest on national debt and social security."
Sitting at 6 percent in recent polls, Donovan challenged the public to elect someone to the Senate who will "call deficit spending debt, and that's me."
Donovan said he is "committed to not taking another dime from your pocket or adding another dime to national debt."
When the Tea Party movement first picked up steam, some observers projected that it would most benefit third party candidates and Libertarians like Donovan. While more traditional Republicans have tried to use the movement to their advantage, candidates like Donovan hope the Tea Party outrage is directed at both main parties in Washington.
T.C. Meuninck, a popular former Deacon at St., Gabriel's Catholic Church in Fayetteville and the current leader of the Pike County Tea Party, spoke about of freedom and individual liberty based on the Constitution.
He emphasized his efforts to defend the Constitution and "bear truth, faith and allegiance".
"I'm not a Democrat, Republican or Independent," he asserted, "I'm an Irish, English, Belgian -- most of all, an American."
Meuninck credited founding fathers for understanding the separation of church and state, though he noted the longtime corruption and unethical behavior he sees did not happen over night.
Ryan Christopher closed with remarks, telling voters "don't vote for someone or not vote for them based on perception. Research the facts."
He referenced the election of President Barack Obama and how his "Vote for Change" platform resulted in "devastation" for the American people.
"We need candidates with teeth who will grab on to the Constitution and not let go like a bulldog," he said. "In November, vote for freedom."
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