Gohmert Helps Kick Off Tea Party Caucus

WASHINGTON (AP/Staff) — Tyler Congressman Louie Gohmert was among the speakers as the new Tea Party Caucus got off the ground Wednesday in Washington. Gohmert says the purpose is “to try to get both parties back on track, back to the things that made America great.” Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota says she founded the Tea Party Caucus so it could be a “receptacle” for the views of average citizens, not to push an agenda. She says Congress is not listening to the Tea Party movement and her caucus is designed to clear the way so that members can be heard.

Gohmert mentioned some harsh remarks directed at him during the health care debate. He said he didn’t complain to the media because “we move on, we got elected to do a job.” Bachmann says the just-formed caucus has 24 members, including the third-ranking GOP member of the House, Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana. She says she also hopes Democrats will join the caucus. House Republican Leader John Boehner of Ohio has declined to join the caucus.