Tea parties offer sympathy

Tea party organizations nationwide offered their sympathy Saturday in the wake the shooting of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords that killed six others and left her fighting for her life.

Giffords, a Democrat, won re-election in November by defeating Jesse Kelly, a tea party-backed Republican.

Authorities have arrested a 22-year-old Arizona man in connection with the shooting. All indications so far are that he had nothing to do with the tea party movement but was a disturbed man who posted rambling messages online.

Giffords’ critics had chided her for, among other policies, her support of President Obama’s health care reform bill. Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin targeted Giffords’ seat in the November election as Republicans sought to take back the House.

Tea party groups — and Palin — released statements denouncing the violence.

“My sincere condolences are offered to the family of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and the other victims of today’s tragic shooting in Arizona. On behalf of Todd and my family, we all pray for the victims and their families, and for peace and justice,” Palin’s statement read.

Locally, the Rockford Tea Party also issued a statement expressing sympathy and condemnation of the violence.

“The Rockford Tea Party does, and indeed must, condemn any act of violence directed towards our elected officials. Our sympathies and prayers go out to all those, and their families, affected by this despicable act. Violence of this nature is never appropriate under any circumstance, period. The person(s) responsible for this deplorable and senseless act of violence should face the maximum punishment in accordance with the law.”

Tea Party Palatine could not be reached for comment Saturday.

Amy Kremer, chairwoman of the national Tea Party Express, said “these heinous crimes have no place in America. ... Spirited debate is desirable in our country but it only should be the clash of ideas.”