Conservatives Wave SIgns Outside Westfield Brandon Entrance

The Hillsborough County Republican Party reported on Facebook what it called a strong showing July 26 outside the Brandon Boulevard entrance to the Westfield Brandon shopping mall, where conservative Republicans met to wave signs.

"Over 50 people showed up!" the post reads, crediting the Alafia Republican CLub for a series of photos that accompanied the news. As noted in a , the party's aim was for Greater Brandon conservatives to  "get in the game to defeat Obama."

Credit for organizing the event was given to Kelly Clem-Rickon and Jeff Lukens. Republican candidates with conservative platforms were encouraged to attend.

"We want to generate some excitement for the conservatives running for office at all levels," Lukens said, in an interview leading up to the event. "From the offfice of the president to the county commission to the school board level and everything in between, we want to mobilize [conservatives] in a show of support."

Lukens noted that a similar effort, held in June at Bell Shoals Road and Bloomingdale Avenue, attracted some 30 sign-waving conservatives.

"We're going into the November elections and this is one step in that direction," Lukens said. "We plan to do more of these in the weeks and months ahead. We want to make a statement and have fun at the same time."

Suggestions for hand-made signs for the July 26 event were given in advance, with the recommended text including "Business Not Bureaucrats" and "No HOPE & No CHANGE! Get Involved!"

Live at the scene, one sign read: "A government big enough to give you all you want is a government big enough to take away everything you have! Your vote is your future."

Along with an overall show of support for conservative ideals, the event was a way for candidates with conservative bents to brand themselves to the rush-hour traffic on one of Eastern Hillsborough County's most traveled roadways.

With the Republican Primary Election weeks away, it was not unexpected that candidates of like conservative mind might show up to politick at the same event.

No problem, Lukens said.

"We understand that, and we're not taking sides on any particular race," he said.

The candidates were invited to "bring out their own troops and their own signs," he added. "It's all in fun, there's no animosity here. If we're all of like mind in terms of conservative thinking, that's the only requirement we have for being out there and waving signs."