Newly-elected U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger's decision as reported in USAToday this week not to join Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann's (MN) Tea Party Caucus doesn't bother IL 11th CDd's local tea party activists at all. Tim Kraulidis, representing the Will County Tea Party Alliance, says it's how Kinzinger votes that counts:
Illinois Review has asked whether Will County Tea Partiers think Adams absence from the Tea Party Caucus is a good or a bad move. I can only speak for The Will County Tea Party Alliance. Many of us have had the great opportunity to work with Adam during this last election cycle. Which caucus he belongs to is irrelevant as long as his views, stances, and voting record are consistent with the conservative values and principles that he espouses. Isn’t this what truly matters?
He has promised to champion these principles. You can call them Tea Party, 912 or Conservative. He has been in office only a few weeks and has already voted to repeal Obamacare. This is a promise that he made to us. So far, so good. If he continues to stand on the principles that got him elected, it will be a good move. If he does not, then it will be a bad move. Caucus or no caucus.
And that settles that.
