Congressional candidate Bob Parker, others speak at Cape tea party rally

Those who attended a Cape County Tea Party rally Saturday at Capaha Park said they came to learn more about solutions to the problems facing the country.

The economy, property rights, education and overreaching government regulation were among the topics discussed by speakers throughout the day.

"The American Revolution Part 2: A Return to the Constitution" rally also included musical performances and several vendor displays.

Congressional candidate Bob Parker, who will face eight-term incumbent Jo Ann Emerson in the August Republican primary for the 8th District U.S. House seat, said that while the event didn't draw hundreds of people, those who were there could make a difference.

"When you get this many people motivated and involved you can do a lot of great things here in Cape County," he told the crowd of about 40.

Parker, a cattle rancher from Raymondville, said he became active in politics due to "out of control" regulations being placed on farms.

The Cape County Tea Party does not endorse any specific candidates, but Parker spoke as part of a presentation by Tom Ritter, radio host with Republic Broadcasting.

Other speakers were Carl Bearden of United for Missouri, Cindy Redburn of the Constitution Party of Missouri, Cape Girardeau County Auditor Pete Frazier and Mike Maharrey of the 10th Amendment Center.

Brian Elder of Perry County said he hoped the tea party rally would help wake up the public.

"Our country is in peril," he said. "If we don't do something now, it's going to be too late."

Jean Fowler of Delta said the speakers at the rally were informative.

"It is important that we get Obama out of there and take our country back," she said.

mmiller@semissourian.com

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