Louisville Tea Party describes itself as this:

"The mission of Louisville Grassroots Tea Party, Inc., a non-partisan organization (meaning: our make-up is politically diverse and we are beholden to no particular political party), is to advocate for low taxes, responsible fiscal policies, strong national defense and smaller, less intrusive government and free market solutions to our nation’s challanges[sic]. We will accomplish our advocacy by organizing peaceful gatherings, evaluating local, state, and federal candidates and educating the community at large both on founding principles and issues that impact America."

I recently received a tip from a concerned citizen that the "non-partisan" aspect of their message has been dropped.

After reading their latest email bulletin, I know why. Apparently, the Tea Party and the GOP eloped after the May 18th primary:

"There are a few outspoken voices of discontent who, having seen "their" candidate experience defeat on May 18th, are turning both barrels upon other conservatives. This is foolhardy and only serves to potentially splinter and sabotage our greater Cause. Is there an area wherein you disagree with a remaining candidate who is vying for victory on November 2nd? First, be sure you have heard that candidate's position from his own mouth, not that of a liberal news outlet or his leftist opponent. That will resolve most every misunderstanding. Do your homework. Don't jump to conclusions. True conservatives are the most informed among us. Second, remember, even in close relationships or among family members, there is often disagreement. Do we villify that person? Does a husband agree with his own wife on everything? Does that mean you stop supporting one another?"

This message ignores the fact that there are three candidates in the race who are NOT involved in major-party politics and primaries: Ed Martin, Darren Brinksneader, and Michael Hansen. By my count, there are four candidates which could appeal to voters in the third congressional district race, not just the Republican.

I call on the Louisville Tea Party to present people with a free-market choice rather than allowing its "non-partisan" face to be corrupted with GOP manipulation. Present all candidates to the Tea Party voters, and let them decide whom to support. Give all four a fair hearing, and let the people decide for themselves.

Isn't that what the Tea Party is supposed to be about, in the end, avoiding all the party machine politics that got us into this mess? Will the Tea Party rise above the stale party politics of the past, or will it die out after the 2010 elections? The choice is yours.