Supporters of the Tea Party Express rallied Wednesday night in Pasadena to take part in the Liberty at the Ballot Box Tour, a cross-country bus tour aiming to support conservative candidates in elections around the U.S.

Tea Party Express supporters at a rally in Pasadena (Taylor Freitas)

Musical performers, political candidates and radio talk show hosts were among those who spoke to the crowd, who gathered in the damp, dark shadow of the Rose Bowl.

“We are the heart of America,” said Bay-Area-based radio show host Melanie Morgan, one of the speakers and a self-described “god-fearing, 100-percent American woman.”

Morgan, who mixed up Republican Senate candidate Carly Fiorina with singer-songwriter Carly Simon, spoke about the difficulties of being a conservative in a largely liberal state, a sentiment echoed by several guest speakers.

Many of the speakers were also quick to respond to the NAACP’s announcement Wednesday that the Tea Party has ties to racist organizations.

“We don’t oppose Barbara Boxer because of her skin color, because last I checked, she’s not black,” said Howard Kaloogian, a former state Assemblyman.

Andrew Breitbart, a conservative columnist and the man who posted the video that led to Shirley Sherrod’s resignation from the Department of Agriculture, also responded to the NAACP’s allegations.

Breitbart listed several black candidates for office supported by the Tea Party and blasted the media for trying to paint the group as racist.

Radio talk show host Tammy Bruce, who reminded the audience that California is the state that gave the nation former president Ronald Reagan, said just because the state is perceived as largely liberal, the Tea Party has a chance to persuade those who do not believe in its message.

“They will either follow us or get out of the way,” she said.

Much of the evening was more light-hearted, featuring music performance varying from country ballads to raps to a group sing-a-long of “God Bless the USA.”

Vendors surrounded the crowd, selling flags, T-shirts and other Tea Party memorabilia.

Reach associate news editor Taylor Freitas here. Follow her on Twitter: @taylorfreitas.

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