By Tea Party grows in Ala, but lacks clout in political circles
Montgomery, AL – - The Tea Party movement in Alabama is
finding its voice in a major election year in the state. But it
hasn't yet taken on the trappings of a united political force.
None of the dozens of Tea Party groups has registered as a
political action committee, which would allow them to raise money
and contribute to campaigns. The groups also disagree over whether
they even want to endorse candidates.
But Associated Press interviews with tea party groups and
political observers found that what the movement lacks in
organization, it makes up for in numbers. Local groups range from
an informal gathering of friends to well-connected chapters with
elaborate Web sites and e-mail lists topping 12,000.