Cobb TEA Party and GOP Barbecue Highlight an Activist Fourth

State Senator Eric Johnson Addresses the Crowd At the Cobb GOP Barbecue

Barry Paulk and Candice Sherman Attend To the Cobb YR Table and Straw Poll

Charlie Meyer Celebrates Atop The 1st Place Cobb GOP Float

First Place! The Cobb GOP Float Wins Top Honors During the Marietta 4th of July Parade

Herman Cain Broadcasts During the July 3rd TEA Party at Jim Miller Park

July 4th 2009 - with the current economic crisis and the growing dissatisfaction with Washington's addiction to unadulterated spending, this years July 4th celebration took on an activist tone. Things started off Friday evening at Jim Miller Park where Herman Cain broad cast his popular radio show from 7 to 9 PM. The event was attended by a surprising large crowd of 7,000 people. It was one of over 1300 TEA parties scheduled to take place this weekend to protest government spending. The event was free to the public and many of the families there I spoke with were stopping by on their way out of town for the 4th of July weekend.

The fun continued on July 4th with the 4th of July Parade down Roswell Street in Marietta. The Cobb GOP Float took 1st place. Congratulations to Trisha Pridemore and the Float Team!

After the parade the Cobb County GOP held their annual Barbecue at Jim Miller Park. It included a salute to the armed forces, and speeches by all 5 candidates for governor. There were also speeches by candidates for Secretary of State, Insurance Commissioner, Agriculture Secretary, Lt. Govenor, etc. It makes one wonder if there is still such a thing as an off election year.

In contrast to the national party, the State GOP party is well stocked with candidates with political experience and should do well in next years 2010 state races.