RALEIGH, N.C. -- North Carolina tea party groups known for getting their message out through protests and placards are taking a different step toward changing government.
They're getting more involved in politics.
Local tea party groups are asking candidates to fill out questionnaires and attend forums and debates. They're considering whether to endorse candidates that exemplify values such as limited constitutional government and fiscal restraint.
Erika Franzi with the Asheville Tea Party said her group endorsed a candidate for the 11th Congressional District race after its own debate last month. It also has a political action committee to give money to candidates.
Franzi said rallies for the sake of rallying had run their course and something more needed to be done.
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