(VIRGINIA BEACH, VA) - MAY 26, 2010 - Following lengthy and vigorous investigation and deliberation, the Hampton Roads Tea Party (HRTP) Board of Directors endorses Ben Loyola in the GOP primary in Virginia's Second Congressional District.
"After thoroughly and thoughtfully evaluating the GOP candidates vying for the Second District nod," says HRTP Founder and Chairperson Karen Miner Hurd, "the Board has decided to make a clear declaration of its support for Mr. Loyola."
"The Hampton Roads Tea Party was created to fight back an overreaching, corrupt, and obese government – at all levels," says Hurd. The Tea Party movement, including the Hampton Roads Tea Party, holds both the Republicans and the Democrats accountable for the current state of the Nation. The political elites are not listening to the people who pay their salaries. In 2010 we have an opportunity to send representatives to Congress who WILL listen and who know that they are obligated to the people - the voters - not to a political machine."
Hurd continues, "Initially, the Board had no intention of making an endorsement in the 2nd District Congressional GOP primary. However, we started getting calls and emails from our members, asking which candidate to support, especially as the members became aware of front-runner Scott Rigell’s donation to Obama and his past support for a sales tax increase and other issues which are deal-breakers for many of our members."
"As the Board of Directors of the Hampton Roads Tea Party, we felt an obligation and a responsibility to take an informed stand in a very crowded candidate field. By endorsing Ben Loyola, we don’t presume to speak FOR our members, but rather TO our members. We know that each person’s vote is precious. We know that the “tea party vote” when focused on one candidate, has been shown to change elections and greatly impact even the most deeply entrenched candidates. We feel very strongly that the 'Republican political machine' in Hampton Roads needs to be defeated."
"Clearly, each member of the Tea Party is able to think and choose for themselves. We encourage our members to take a hard look at Ben Loyola. We encourage them to get involved in his campaign. So far, this Republican primary election is being dominated by money and the GOP establishment."
(NOTE: THE COMPLETE TEXT OF HURD'S PREPARED REMARKS IS AVAILABLE SEPARATELY.)
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Karen Miner Hurd
(757) 672-1072
karen@hrteaparty.com
Norvell Rose
(757) 630-0927
norvell@hrteaparty.com 
