Tea Party President Rips Meeks' Call for Lawsuit Against Her Candidacy

Louisville Tea Party President and Democratic state House candidate Wendy Caswell has issued a statement criticizing incumbent state Rep. Reginald Meeks, D-Louisville, for asking the party to file suit to have her removed from the ballot.In an e-mail message to party leaders, Meeks highlighted messages from the local Tea Party sent by Caswell that have encouraged supporters to run for Republican offices and promote other GOP candidates and operatives. While Caswell has maintained she is a lifelong registered Democrat,Meeks has called the political newcomer a fraud and said the party should maintain its integrity by booting her from the race.In a stinging statement, the 27-year-old Old Louisville resident's campaign says Meeks is trying to undermine constituents voting rights through the courts.From the Caswell campaign: The Wendy Caswell campaign believes the seat belongs to the people, and it is up to the members of the 42nd District to decide who is the best representative to serve their needs. Meeks is attempting to obstruct the democratic process, and we feel confident that the Democratic Party will not let this stand. Rep. Meeks does not get to dictate who is allowed to be part of the Democratic Party and who is allowed run for office. Wendy has been a loyal, registered Democrat her entire voting life. Wendy believes in the responsible use of taxpayer dollars to protect the middle class and the American dream. She will fight for efficient government so that Kentucky can continue to provide the much needed programs to care for our children, our seniors, Kentucky’s hardworking families, and those most hurt by the economic recession. Wendy believes representatives need to work together, regardless of party affiliation, in order to improve the state. And, it is Wendy’s ability to bring Democrats, Independents, and Republicans together that is precisely what Rep. Meeks is attacking. Clearly, Wendy is the best candidate to move us away from divisive, partisan politics, and get the representatives in Frankfort working together for the common goal of a better Commonwealth. We deserve public servants who will work for the benefit of the people, not representatives who feel they have an entitlement to rule. Residents of the district deserve the right to choose their leadership, and we look forward to watching the process continue.