Bristol "Tea Party" -- Fertile Ground For Movement To Unseat Boucher

Political unknown Jim Bebout (R-Marion) and other challengers in the 9th District face a seemingly impregnable incumbent in Boucher. His last legitimate challenge was Kevin Triplett in 2004. Boucher still managed 60-percent of the vote that year.

By: George Jackson | TriCities.com
Published: July 07, 2009

Bristol, Va. -- The modern "Tea Party" movement is spawning more than anger over tax policy in 2009.

The final protest (of six total) over this long July 4th weekend assembled in Sugar Hollow Park Monday night.

It started with a simple and sombre prayer by former Congressman David Davis. His message: lawmakers have forsaken the U.S. Constitution.

"God forgive us," Davis said.

That's the common thread among often disparate "Tea Party" groups in the Tri-Cities Region.

Rev. Strouther Smith started a group called the "Tenth Amendment Foundation." He said, though typically tied to the GOP, tea is a non-partisan affair.

"We're delighted to have Independents, Democrats, Republicans, the Constitutional Party, Libertarians, whoever they are," Smith said.

Davis wasn't the only past, present, or future lawmaker ready to cash in on that grassroots energy.

His successor, U.S. Rep. Phil Roe (R-1st ) gave a roughly ten minute speech before fielding a few questions from the audience.

The gathering was also fertile ground for the movement to unseat U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher (D-9th). Roe, Smith, and others criticized the 14-term Democrat for his stance on health care, taxes, and a carbon cap-and-trade.

"Rick Boucher was one of those who voted for {the cap-and-trade bill)," Smith said.

Political unknown Jim Bebout (R-Marion) picked up the baton a few speeches later, and announced his bid for the 9th District GOP nomination.

"{Boucher} is helping to run the county over a cliff. And whether I win or lose I'm just not going to sit back and let it happen," Bebout said.

Bebout and other challengers in the 9th District face a seemingly impregnable incumbent in Boucher. His last legitimate challenge was Kevin Triplett in 2004. Boucher still managed 60-percent of the vote that year.

Delegate Terry Kilgore (R-Gate City) said he has no intention of running for Congress.

Boucher's press spokesperson said the Congressman was unavailable for comment.

To view a video version of this report, click the play icon above.

For more on Bebout, click on the link (at left) to read an article by the Bristol Herald Courier's Debra McCown.