Once poised to make a small difference in state politics, the Oregon TEA Party has apparently split into competing factions: Geoff Ludt, who founded the group in 2010 before handing it over to others in order to focus upon business issues arising from the recession, seems to have returned to the scene and this week reacquired “Oregon Tea Party” as a statewide assumed business name registered to Oregon Tea Party LLC, a single-member organization of Ludt’s.
The schism between the founder and those who assumed control of the fledgling party during his absence has created an acrimonious atmosphere in which accusations and allegations have been flying from both sides, with former talk radio host Victoria Taft and her friends, such as Bruce McCain, rallying to Ludt's side in blogs and "leaks" to media criticizing the opponent, John Kuzmanich. In response, John's allies have taken to Facebook to air grievances.
All in all, it appears that another implosion is underway among advocates for limited government. I'm buying stock in Orville Reddenbacher's, 'cause Democratics are going to be buying a lot of popcorn.
