KBZK

Posted: Apr 15, 2010 11:39 AM
Updated: Apr 16, 2010 10:49 AM

Angry about how things are run in Washington and intent with a message, hundreds of Tea Party supporters marked Tax Day by gathering in Bozeman to rally against government spending.

Carrying signs that read "Don't tread on the Constitution" and chanting "NObama," supporters of the movement marched from the Bozeman Public Library to the Gallatin County Courthouse.

A handful of speakers protested the growing national deficit and said they're fed up with big government, big taxes and big spending.

"They're telling us we have to tighten our belts and pay more taxes, so they don't have to tighten their belts. I'm telling you don't buy it. This state doesn't have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem," said Carl Graham of the Montana Policy Institute.

To symbolize their frustrations, a member of the Tea Party took a chainsaw to a log to "cut back" to pre-George W. Bush spending levels.

Only one lone Obama supporter could be spotted in the crowd, a woman hoisting an iconic Obama "Hope" sign and chanting Obama as Tea Party supporters shouted back at her "NObama."

This is the second year the grassroots movement has rallied in Bozeman, drawing a larger crowd than last.

Similar gatherings were held in Helena, Great Falls, Missoula and Livingston.

Congressman Denny Rehberg issued a statement addressing taxation and health care.

"While our economy is struggling to recover and our nation is bleeding jobs, higher taxes are making the problem even worse.  Since January of 2009, Congress has increased taxes by $670 billion, which is more than $2,100 for each man, woman and child in America," he said.

In the statement, Rehberg goes on to talk about health reform changes that will raise some taxes.