Letters: Americans Elect and the tea party

Re “Alternative presidential bid falters,” May 16

It always seemed quixotic to launch a grass-roots movement from the top. In the unlikely scenario that a candidate was elected president, what sort of clout would she or he have in a Congress that lacked even a single supporter?

By contrast, consider the “tea party.” Whether or not you agree with its agenda, it is undeniable that the dozens of representatives it helped elect have made their presence felt.

Americans Elect should endorse candidates already running for Congress — whether Democratic or Republican — who meet its criteria, and put up candidates of its own in districts where none do.

H.A. Drake

Santa Barbara

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