Escanaba Tea Party

One of Stupak’s harshest critics lately, the Tea Party Express Tour, began its Michigan run last night in Bessemer.

UGN’s Mike Stark was in Escanaba earlier today for its stop there.

The buses rolled in shortly after 12 noon.

But Ludington Park’s bandshell was already filled with people from throughout the U.P.

Once the tour bus parked and the speakers rolled out, those in attendance were met with not just speeches but politically-themed song and dance.

Everyone there had already heard that Congressman Bart Stupak was going to announce that he wouldn’t seek re-election.

The news was met with nothing short of jubilation.

The tour was going to spend $250,000 on advertising against him.

Candidates for Stupak’s Congressional seat weren’t the only candidates at the rally.

Michigan Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Mike Cox showed up to campaign.

He’ll follow the tour bus until Sunday.

The Tea Party bus tour is making one more U.P. stop in the Soo tonight.