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SALT LAKE CITY -- The Tea Party movement has caused quite a shake up this election season. It has already unseated several prominent Republicans during the primaries, including Utah's own Sen. Bob Bennett.
There are some who believe the Tea Party is creating even more divisiveness in this country. In response, they've formed their own non-partisan party.
Politics and coffee are proving to be a good mix on Saturday mornings. Twice a month, the Utah Division of Coffee Party USA meets to discuss important issues facing voters.
Sunday Edition: The Coffee Party, Election focus
The Coffee Party, Election focus
In this Sunday Edition, members of the Coffee Party discuss their goal of bringing everyone, regardless of political affiliation, together for civil discussions. Also, the results from a new poll focused on the issues that are most important to Utahns this election season."We're out to promote civil discourse. No matter our differences we want to sit down and talk," explained Coffee Party member Kelli Lundgren before a recent gathering at a Salt Lake City cafe.
The Coffee Party was formed by Annabel Park in January on Facebook in response to the Tea Party movement. Park vented on the site about the incivility in political discourse created by the Tea Party. Those feelings resonated with a lot of people.
The Coffee Party now has more than 250,000 members all over the country. Lundgren says there are about 250 in Utah and their meetings keep getting bigger.
The Coffee Party has also started holding rallies all over the country. The first rally in Utah was held in May. Members were trying to gather support for financial reform.
We're out to promote civil discourse. No matter our differences we want to sit down and talk.
–Kelli Lundgren
"We were out promoting Wall Street reform. We don't want another banking situation that would cause another recession," explained Lundgren.
While the Coffee Party does take a stand on select issues, Lundgren says they are not endorsing candidates and welcome members from all parties. "We represent not just liberals and moderates. We want to invite into our group conservatives as well," she says.
The Coffee Party's main goal is to get more people involved in the political process. "We want more than anything to get everyone out to vote," said Lundgren.
For more information on the Coffee Party [CLICK HERE].
E-mail: cmadsen@ksl.com
