Emerson Challenger Says He Isn't Allowed To Participate in Poplar Bluff 'Tea Party' Rally

Yesterday we noted the incredibly ironic list of keynote speakers for an upcoming "Patriot Rally" in Poplar Bluff for "the next generation of the Tea Party."  Roy Blunt and Jo Ann Emerson are headlining the event, despite their considerable differences with most tea party activists. 

Bob Parker, the Texas County rancher who is challenging Emerson in the GOP primary this August, saw our story and is predictably unhappy with the establishment's hijacking of the tea party brand.  In fact, he says he tried to get on the list of speakers, but was not allowed by organizers. 

Here's what he wrote on our Facebook page:

Parker has been very critical of Emerson's record in Washington, and spoke at numerous tea party events in 2009.  Here's how he outlined his campaign in the Daily Dunklin Democrat:

Republican Bob Parker, of Raymondville, Mo., announced his intentions during a VietNow Veterans Independence Day Celebration earlier this year, stating, "I think the 8th District is ready for new leadership in Washington."

Parker said concerns over last fall's federal bailout of financial institutions was one of his determining factors, adding that the $700 billion bailout has failed to deliver on its promises.

"I will make you this promise: If I am elected to congress I will read every bill before I vote on it, and if a 500 page bill is printed at three o'clock in the morning the night before the vote, I will vote no, because I won't vote for any bill that I haven't had time to read and give adequate consideration," Parker said.

Parker said the despite the bailout, which he claims was "rushed through Congress," 57 banks have failed since last October, 789 Chrysler dealerships have closed their doors, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 4.5 million jobs were lost.

At recent events, Parker spoke about private property rights and dealing with "intrusive government agencies and non-governmental organizations."

I've contacted Parker for more information, and will update this post with any details. 

I spoke with Parker by phone this morning, and he says event organizers were polite but firm in refusing his requests to speak.  At the same time, he was told he would be invited to future tea party events in the area.

Parker also raised the possibility that organizers might be inviting Blunt and Emerson in the hope that the crowd would hold them accountable for their records in Congress.