Tea Party leader says Rossi doesn't cut it

Local Tea Party leader Tom Niewulis, a founder of We the People Vancouver, announced Friday that he cannot support U.S. Senate candidate Dino Rossi, who appeared before the group Aug. 4 for a candidate vetting.

“I can unequivocally state that Dino is NOT a Constitutionalist,” Niewulis said in an e-mail. “At best, he is a Neoconservative.”

“To heal America from the Democratic and Fabian Socialism that has invaded and captured the United States over the last 80 years, we need statesmen that will be resolved to fight for the principles this country was founded on,” he wrote. “Dino will not do that because he does not understand what the Founders/Framers Constitutional intent for America is.”

For those who missed the discussion of Fabian Socialism in history class, Niewulis, a self-styled constitutional scholar, offered a more direct critique:

“We have not seen anything succint from Dino. All his videos, answers and action are no different than when he was running for Governor. He has no passion for the Senate . . .”

At his vetting, Rossi did dodge a question about whether he favored repeal of the 17th Amendment, which ushered in the popular vote for U.S. senators. He also refused to say which federal departments he would eliminate if elected.

Niewulis did not say who he will support in the race. We the People is not endorsing candidates, but has posted videos of its vetting sessions on its web site.

Kathie Durbin