“Basically, one of the most anti-gay and conservative people in Kentucky has hijacked the Kentucky Tea Party,” stated an anonymous source.

The Kentucky Department of State, which regulates corporations in the Commonwealth, shows Simon in charge of both organizations:

This may explain why the Louisville Tea Party movement is anti-gay, and the reason no Democrat is been permitted to speak at their Freedom Fest 2010 event to be held at the Kentucky Capitol on the 10th, according to their website:

We are now just over three weeks away and counting for what promises to be the greatest grassroots gathering that the Commonwealth of Kentucky has ever seen. Buses are being chartered already from both the Louisville and Cincinnati areas. The “Great Lawn” at the Capitol, in Frankfort, from 5pm-8pm. In the heart of of summer, we’ll have ample cold water available at a nominal cost. But do bring your own lawn chair! (source)

According to their website, only conservative speakers will be speaking. No Democrat or progressive is scheduled.  Dr. Rand Paul, is scheduled to speak at Kentucky Freedom Fest 2010.

Frank G. Simon of the American Family Association of Kentucky and the Louisville Tea Party

The Tea Party has been associated with the Libertarian Party of Kentucky. Ken Moellman, chairman of the Libertarian Party of Kentucky is quick to also point out that Rand Paul is not Libertarian. Moellman issued a press released reiterating than Rand Paul was not a Libertarian as far back as 2008: “The Libertarian Party agrees with portions of both the Democratic and Republican Party platforms; though, not always for the same reasons. The ‘non-aggression principle’ guides the Libertarian Party. Signing an oath to adhere to that principle, along with annual dues, is a requirement for full membership in the Party or to run as one of its candidates. Rand Paul is not a Libertarian.” (source)

“Libertarians typically side with Democrats on social issues and Republicans on fiscal issues.” – University of Kentucky political scientist Stephen Voss.

The Libertarian Party of Kentucky of Kentucky is an official strategic ally of Kentucky Equality Federation (source), and also works with the Louisville Fairness Campaign.

The Libertarian Party of Kentucky has rallied at the Kentucky Capitol in favor of LGBTI equality and fairness with Kentucky Equality Federation, Louisville Fairness Campaign, and Lexington Fairness as a strategic ally of the Federation. (source)