PHOTOS: Tea Party rallies around Eastern Iowa

Tea Party activists and Democrats plan to rally on the Iowa City Ped Mall and in Cedar Rapids today to observe tax day.

The Johnson County TEA (Taxed Enough Already) Party invites “conservatives, independents, and low-tax, limited-government, freedom-loving individuals” to join it in a rally at 11:30 a.m. at the fountain on the mall - outside the offices of 2nd District Rep. Dave Loebsack, a Democrat.

Organizers have lined up speakers on a variety of topics including federal health care, federal stimulus programs, taxation, education and local government. Also, candidates for the 2nd District Republican nomination as well as others running for national, state and local office are expected to address the crowd.

Photos

[nggallery id=186]

Statehouse tea party rally draws hundreds

Hundreds of tea party activists are venting their anger at government and voicing support for conservative causes at a Statehouse rally.

More than 700 people were drawn to the Thursday rally, one of hundreds across the nation marking the April 15 federal income tax deadline.

Speakers took on a number of issues, from education to immigration. But most of the focus was on the need for limited government.

It's the second tea party rally at the Statehouse. One last year drew an estimated 3,000 people.

Although most Republican political candidates were not allowed to speak at the rally, a number attended including Bob Vander Plaats, who is seeking the GOP nomination for governor.

Other tax day events in Eastern Iowa include:

• 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., corner of Greene Square Park and the KCRG/Gazette building, Cedar Rapids.
• 6 p.m., Taking Back America, Schmitt Telecom parking lot, 722 Water St., Waterloo.
• 5:30 p.m., Dubuque Tea Party, Washington Square Park, Sixth and Locust streets, Dubuque.
• 11:30 a.m., Grass Roots of the Quad Cities, Kimberly Road and Brady Street, Davenport.

More on the Tea Party movements:

• Cedar Rapids Tea Party
• Iowa Tax Day Tea Party
• Dubuque Tea Party