Another Day, Another Tea Party Courts Tussle in the Making

Just two weeks old, the Tea Party Foundation may be dragged into court to defend its name.

The Florida Secretary of State's Office, citing state statute 103.081 and responding to a complaint by the Florida TEA Party, determined that a campaign committee cannot bear the name of a political party.

But Jennifer K. Davis, spokeswoman for the secretary of state, said her office "does not have the authority to make someone change their name," and, so, the matter appears headed to court.

TEA Party Chairman Frederic O'Neal said legal action is forthcoming.

Phil Russo, a spokesman for the foundation, said, "I will fight this with every ounce of my being. I will take it to the Supreme Court."

The TEA Party is already embroiled in a federal court case over its use of the name. A coalition of other Tea groups claims that O'Neal's party illegally appropriated the brand.