Influence of the Tea Party Movement

SCOTTSDALE - The stimulus bill is part of the reason for the birth of the Tea Party, a group of people across the country who are not happy with the amount of spending in Washington. The displeasure stems back to President Bush's bank bailout.

Michelle Ugenti was out in Scottsdale Wednesday night collecting signatures to get her name on the ballot for state legislature.

Before now, a life in politics was far from her life plan. The mother of two was focused on her family and her career -- but then something changed.

"I thought to myself in 10 to 15 years, if I am not happy about the quality of my life and children's, I have myself to blame because I didn't get up and do something about it," says Ugenti.

She was swept into the Tea Party movement, a group of frustrated citizens across the nation who have banded together to protest everything from taxes, bailouts, health care reform, and even abortion rights.

Still, it's not easy to answer just where the Tea Party stands. It's not trying to become a third party on any ballot -- there's no central party leader, and there's been reports of power conflicts among different chapters.

"The Tea Party is pocket movements. You get in and your voice can be heard. There's not a lot of bureaucracy, no hierarchy, and you're able to take your passion and commitment and move it into action," she says.

For those like Ugenti, what is clear is a need for change in Washington, and that goes for both Democrats and Republicans.

"It's about going back to the constitution, about keeping elected officials accountable, and if they won't be it's about changing them out with people who will be."

Even if the Republican and Democratic parties don't know exactly what to make of the Tea Partyers, they know that can't just ignore them.

Tea Party candidates are credited with knocking moderate Republicans out of races, creating headaches for candidates once thought to be sure winners, and forcing their opinions to be heard.