In a vastly different form than seen today, the Tea Party movement took shape in 2007. Spurred by an impending recession, a government overrun by deception and corruption, and an unprecedented expansion of government under eight years of "conservative" leadership, modern day tea partiers had positive causes of action: honesty, respect for the rule of law, and protection of the rights of the smallest minority; the individual. On the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, in over 50 cities energetic supporters dumped $5.2 Mil of tea. In a long-shot presidential campaign to support a candidate that embodied honesty, respect and sincerity to pursuit of strict constitutional leadership, the goal was to entrust to the highest office one that did not have obligations to special interests.