ACU alumnus Glenn Addison, a candidate for Kay Bailey Hutchison’s soon-to-be vacated U.S. Senate seat, was among the featured speakers at a Tea Party rally in Downtown Abilene on Friday.

The Taylor County Tea Party event originally was scheduled to be conducted in front of the Windsor Hotel, but the rally had to be moved inside the lobby because of blustery winds Friday afternoon.

Pat Hippely, co-founder of the Taylor County Tea Party and candidate for mayor of Abilene, said the rally was planned to get people organized and ready for the next election.

“We have 571 days to end an error. We have 571 days to the next presidential election. We have 571 days until the next congressional election,” Hippely said. “It can’t be done without your help.”

Addison, a 1983 graduate with degrees in business and political science, spoke to a crowd of about 50 individuals, telling them modern politicians are out of touch with their constituents.

“My heart is burdened, and your heart is burdened, or you wouldn’t be here,” Addison said. “That has caused me to run for this election.”

He told the crowd he would change the career politician mindset currently dominating politics. He promised that if elected, he would serve only one term and shut down his campaign office the day he was elected.

He said problems caused by Republican and Democratic politicians have created a mess with no easy solutions.

“Because the problems of our country have been put off so long, there are no easy answers,” Addison said. “There are no good-tasting medicines to take. If you look on the shelf of solutions, they all taste bitter.”

Addison’s wife Lorie Addison, who also attended ACU, said she is proud of her husband and his willingness to stand up for issues about which he feels passionate.

“I’ve enjoyed going out with him and seeing him share his vision and passion for the people of this country,” Lorie Addison said. “I’m proud of him for getting out and doing something instead of just complaining. There are so many people who express dissatisfaction with the way things are going, and he is giving them a chance to choose someone who is not a career politician.”

Courtenay Harre, a 20-year resident of Abilene, said she attended the rally because the speakers support her conservative values. She said attending rallies is the responsible thing for citizens to do.

“I just want to hear what the speakers have to say and show my support,” Harre said. “It’s the adult thing to do, and I support the Tea Party cause.”