From Blackburn spokesman Claude Chafin: After consulting with the Committee on Standards, Congressman Blackburn has decided not to participate in the Tea Party Nation Convention next week. Standards advised Congressman Blackburn not to participate in the event due to uncertainty about how any proceeds from the event may be used. Convention organizers have not been clear about how those funds will be put to use. We have every indication that any profit could be put to work to advance grass roots causes and some of those uses could make the Congressman's participation improper after the fact. From Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn herself: "I spoke to Judson Phillips this morning and let him know that I could not participate in the convention. I told him frankly that Tea Party Nation's for-profit status has put many of his speakers in an awkward position. I remain encouraged by the outpouring of energy from constitutionally minded grassroots organizations in Tennessee and around America. These groups are not made up of Republicans or Democrats but everyday Americans who are concerned about their freedom. They know that out-of-control spending and the expansion of government ultimately limits that freedom. I share their concerns and look forward to working with them in the future." The Tea Party Convention and its sponsor organization, Tea Party Nation, have been under fire as of late by former members of the group. Many have accused founder Judson Phillips of being a profiteer and exploiter of volunteer labor. Former Tea Party Nation webmaster Kevin Smith has been leading the effort.
No less than three sponsors of the convention have pulled out of the event in recent weeks and there are several reports that the outlandish prices have led to an undersale of tickets which could cause financial problems for Phillips. It was recently reported that Phillips has defaulted on a loan payment to a benefactor who fronted Sarah Palin's speaking fee.
