Tea Party voices outrage at Thompson

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The Western New York Tea Party Coalition is voicing its disapproval of Senator Antoine Thompson.

The group picketed in downtown Buffalo to protest Thompson's $600-a-plate fundraiser in Albany. Tea Party leader Rus Thompson says the Senator has amassed a $180,000 war chest, yet no one has stepped forward to run against him.

Rus Thompson said, "And once again, why is he having it in Albany? If you are going to have fundraisers, don't you want to have it in the district where you live to get your supporters out to raise money for you? No, he's down in Albany so he can get the money from the special interests."

Senator Thompson released a statement saying, "I am committed to working hard on behalf of the people and it is necessary to raise money to be able to articulate my accomplishments to all the voters in the Fall elections."

Antoine Thompson also pointed out that he sponsored two major bills in the Senate.