R.I. Tea Party splits into two groups

Leading members of Rhode Island’s statewide Tea Party have defected to form a group that will focus on issues in the Legislature. The Providence Journal reported that on Friday, Lisa Blais, a board member of the Rhode Island Tea Party, announced the formation of the Ocean State Tea Party in Action. Blais said the new group would not compete with the Rhode Island Tea Party, but would put a “constant spotlight’’ on Rhode Island state officials and their voting records.