Judson Phillips

Judson Phillips is a controversial attorney who organized (and whose family profits from) the for-profit corporation Tea Party Nation, which organized the first national Tea Party convention in February 2010. In the decade prior to this money-making enterprise, Phillips had filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of the federal code and had no less than three liens against him (Phillips claims the liens are now paid off).

Quick Summary of Controversial Claims
Blames Liberals for Giffords Shooting. Among other repugnant things said by Judson Phillips was his effort to get his followers to blame the deranged shooting of Democratic Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords on liberals. He urged his flock of Tea Partiers to repeat his claims that "The shooter was a liberal lunatic. Emphasis on both words.”

Calls Wisconsin Citizens Protesting Walker Nazis. In August 2011, Judson Phillips also made the malicious claim that Wisconsin citizens opposed to Governor Scott Walker’s union busting and public education cuts were like Nazi “brownshirts”  and “storm troopers.”  Phillips is touring Wisconsin, as of August 2011, connected to the David Koch-funded Americans for Prosperity's rallies for right-wingers during the historic effort to recall Republican senators who embraced Walker's agenda. (The bus tour is part of "Tea Party Express III.") Thinks Only Property Owners Should Be Able to Vote. Phillips has also advocated the radical regressive position that only property owners should be allowed to vote, an effort that would roll back the rights of millions of American citizens.

Urged Religious Discrimination in Voting. Phillips also urged voters to discriminate based on religion, expressly urging Minnesota voters to vote against Congressman Keith Ellison because he is a Muslim.

Background
A Tennessean, Judson Phillips defends people accused of drunk driving crimes and other criminal offenses. He has been a litigator for 13 years, as of 2011. He graduated from the University of Memphis Law School, a "third tier law school" (not one of the top 100 law schools in the U.S.). On his law firm website, he touts his membership in criminal defense associations (which means that he pays dues to these associations); in fine print, his website acknowledges he is "Not certified as a Criminal Trial Specialist by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization."

Controversy Relating to His For-Profit Tea Party Activities
Phillips is known for organizing the for-profit corporation Tea Party Nation, which organized the first national Tea Party convention in February 2010. The convention was met with controversy due to the price of admission -- $549 plus an extra $9.95 fee.

His convention was held in February 2010 and was reportedly attended by 600 Tea Party activists, despite all the press by FOX and others amplifying the size of Tea Party activism in the U.S. Apparently, over 150 reporters were credentialed to attend this "event," one reporter for every four participants. Some Tea Partiers criticized the event, including Erick Erickson of the conservative blog RedState.com who called it "scammy."

Another convention booked by Tea Party Nation was cancelled in the midst of controversy, and, in July 2011, the Venetian Casino Resort filed suit alleging that Judson's enterprise was liable for unpaid bills of over a half-million dollars ($642,144).

Related Sourcewatch resources

 * Tea Party Nation

External resources
Web site: http://www.judsonphillips.com/

Contact
Judson Phillips Nashville Office 209 Tenth Avenue South, Suite 426 Nashvillle, TN 37203 Phone: 1-615-599-6000 Fax: 1-615-599-3484 Email: judson AT judsonphillips.com