November 4, 2009

The Tea Party Express national bus tour made a pit stop in Wichita on Wednesday afternoon.

The tour, which is traveling from San Diego to Orlando, is hoping to re-energize the conservative political movement.

More than 1,000 people gathered in the parking lot of Lawrence Dumont Stadium near downtown Wichita to wave homemade signs and banners. Most oppose what they believe is government overspending and intervention in American lives.

"We've got to get out here and say we're tired of the government," said Jeff Ablah. "We're tired of them intruding."

Nearby, Karen Rowe echoed similar sentiments.

"We're sick and tired of all the spending, and the health care, and the socialization of the United States," she said.

But not everybody agrees. A small group of about 20 people stood behind the tour bus, showing their support for several Obama-administration initiatives. Chief among those initiatives is the hot topic of health care reform.

Some, like Janice Bradley, believe the facts are buried by fear.

"Why should you be afraid of medicare for all," Bradley asked. "It's what we need to cover everybody. And we may have a few problems but we can work those out."

But many say they're tired of fixing 'problems.' The Tea Party Express, and its supporters, say they're pushing not just for change in the 2010 elections - but a voice.

"The people have no say in what's going on nowadays," said Brad Collins.

Wednesday's tea party marks the midway point for the national tour. It will end Nov. 12 in Orlando, Florida.