Inside the Beltway

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By Jennifer Harper INSIDE THE BELTWAY

STILL BREWING

"Tea party" organizers are not taking a Christmas vacation. Feisty plans for a cross-country "Tea Party Express III" have taken shape, accompanied by vows that grassroots folks are emerging with newfound, serious intent to promote conservative ideals and frugal government. Things get under way with a "mega rally" on March 27, staged right in Searchlight, Nev. - hometown of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

"We're returning with the slogan 'just vote them out' to spotlight the need for conservative values in this country, and call for an end to the cavalier spending and headlong rush towards socialism by the current administration," spokesman Levi Russell tells Inside the Beltway.

"We're bringing all the conservative Senate candidates there to send a clear message that Harry is on his way out. Our final stop will be on Tax Day - April 15 - in Washington," Mr. Russell says.

"In 2010, I think we are going to see the tea party movement mature into a very relevant and very effective force that will be instrumental in overturning Congress," Mr. Russell adds. "Energy and enthusiasm among the many tea party groups is very high. Next year we'll definitely see increasing unity and purpose."

OSLO STATS

24: Number of hours President Obama will spend in Norway to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

0: Number of press conferences Mr. Obama will give.

0: Number of concerts he will attend.

0: Number of meals he will share with Norwegian royalty.