Over the past few days, I've told you all about unelected LV Tea Party leader Kim Schmidtner. But I've been unfair because I left out the man behind the woman, unelected LV Tea Party leader Joe Hilliard.Who the hell is Joe Hilliard? Let me tell you a little story. Not long ago, Charlie Dent sponsored the first ever Lehigh Valley Republican Convention at the Northampton Community Center, footing the bill and inviting ALL Republicans. Despite being invited as a registered Republican and committeeman, Joe just had to organize a protest rally against Charlie Dent at the event.
That's how Joe rolls. But enough from me. Let's hear about Joe from Joe himself, with his characteristic modesty:
"I have been blessed to network with thousands of people in a fairly effective coalition. I have had the privilege to help start about 20 limited government groups. It is always amazing when people I don't even know call or email me for advice. I am networked with many, many more groups across the state and even in other states. Senator Specter switched party because of the "censure movement" strategically initiated by a very small group. We have had an impact on the floor of the Pennsylvania legislature. We have implemented a number of initiatives and mechanisms that will have a big impact in politics. This includes legislative initiatives, legal strategies, media outlets, etc. More will be implemented this year. Some, surprisingly, have even been my suggestions and strategy ideas.
"More and more people acknowledge that raising money and handing out literature for candidates is not a solution to our problems.
"We are having impacts at the local government level which include defeating illegal bond issues and exposing fiscal 'smoke and mirrors'. In fact, such an effort led to a total collapse of one county government in our state - and exposed a huge nest of corruption which has led to many indictments including a few sitting judges. It is amazing what can be accomplished by following a few simple principles and pulling back the curtain to expose politicians and the games they play. I was there at the beginning of that effort. In fact, it all started with a meeting with myself and one county resident over a couple of slices of pizza. This turned into a two year battle with a coalition. And, because principled Republicans stepped forward who refused to play the game, there were even some electoral successes in this heavily Democrat county. There will be more such efforts coming in the future.
"I could continue, but my efforts do not need to be detailed as some sort of resume, because I seek no compensation nor recognition."
Then Joe continues anyway:
"We must continue doing what we have been, because we are having a big impact on politics. And, as I keep reminding people, we haven't even done that much yet! Our precinct organizing plan is the foundation for us to increase our effectiveness. Running for committee spots is one piece of that foundation. Our meeting will cover ALL of the aspects of what we hope to accomplish in the near future - which is changing the rules of the game because the political game has failed all of us."
Imagine that! In addition to being the Specter Slayer, he was able to topple a County government somewhere, armed with only a slice of pizza.
Unfortunately, LC Comm'rs Chair Dean Browning, a Republican, is in Joe's cross-hairs. You see, Dean proposed giving the Vice Chairmanship to that dirty, no-good Democrat, Dan McCarthy. It made no difference to Joe that Dan received a pretty good rating from the Tea Party. Unelected leader Joe delivered this ominous threat, ex cathedra, to Browning:
"I can only warn, as I have done consistently for the last several years, about this rapidly growing sentiment which, frankly, has shocked even me with the speed of its growth and strength. Those who get on board will be okay. Those who don’t…. well time will tell. And it won’t only be during an election cycle. Constant HUMILIATION over a four year term will take its toll on those who are a problem. We will use our rapidly growing email lists and hand out thousands of flyers about such “Republicans” for the sole purpose to inform the voters about those who truly represent taxpayers and those who sell out to the Democrats and Big Government groups who feed at the government trough at the expense of taxpayers. And no, we won’t be coming to meetings before a vote to wage this battle at the podium. This battle will be fought before hand to some extent, but ESPECIALLY after such votes are cast."
In Joe's world, none of this is political activity. The IRS has a slightly different view:
"Under the Internal Revenue Code, all section 501(c)(3) organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. Contributions to political campaign funds or public statements of position (verbal or written) made on behalf of the organization in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office clearly violate the prohibition against political campaign activity. Violating this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes. "
