Local Tea Party featured in GOP debate

SYMMES TWP., Ohio - Members of the Cincinnati Tea Party were able to ask the Republican presidential candidates questions Monday night during a live broadcast on CNN.

Nearly 300 local Tea Party members gathered at Bar 71 in Symmes Township to watch the debate, and CNN setup a live feed from the venue so local citizens could weigh-in directly.

"This is a great opportunity," Cincinnati Tea Party president Mike Wilson said. "This is another way we demonstrate that we want to play a constructive role in the political process."

Mason Tea Party founder Ray Warrick says the party has built a lot of momentum in the last two years.

"The momentum really has happened because of education and the willingness to participate," Warrick said.