Tea Partiers protest government spending, mobilize for 2012 election

TAMPA, Fla. - Tea Party members rallied across the state of Florida on the federal tax holiday to protest what they call government over-spending and political games in Washington.

Tampa's rally, held in the parking lots north of Raymond James Stadium, drew about 300 people.

Sixten Larsen staked out a seat in the middle of the lot by himself, an hour before the rally began.

While Larsen focused on finding the best seat, organizers hoped the rally would be one of their best efforts at mobilizing tea partiers, especially as the 2012 election approaches.

People carried signs around with messages like, "Stop Bankrupting America."  Even the portable bathrooms had signs on them. One stated, "IRS: For Deposit Only."

The night's keynote speaker, Marco Rubio, took the stage around 7:30.

A lone protestor off to the side wearing a white medical coat drew a crowd trying to shut down his megaphone.

"He's obviously not a doctor or he'd be here protesting Obamacare," Sen. Rubio joked.

Rubio says he makes rallies like Friday's event a priority to keep himself from thinking like "Washington."

"That's why I come back to Florida every weekend. That's why I come out to these events," Sen. Rubio said. "So I can stay in touch and plugged into what's happening out there."

Sen. Rubio was the highlight of the night for many of the tea partiers, like Larsen, who admitted he might have looked silly sitting in the middle of the lot on his own for an hour before the rally began, but he says he doesn't mind looking silly for what he believes in.

"Hey, I'd stand in the middle of Dale Mabry without any clothes on for freedom," Larsen laughed.