NEW YORK — A planned convention of Tea Party activists lost two prominent speakers Thursday, the latest sign of disagreement over how to best showcase the movement’s growing political force.
Republican Reps. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee canceled their appearances after being billed as speakers at the gathering next week in Nashville, Tenn. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin remains a headline speaker.
Some tea partiers have openly balked at the $550 ticket price and $100,000 fee being paid to Palin for the keynote address, saying the high prices are contrary to the movement’s grass-roots image and preclude many activists from attending.
Bachmann and Blackburn separately said appearing might conflict with House ethics rules. But they also said they had concerns about how money raised from the event would be spent.
