Out-of-control government spending and a concern for the nation's future led more than 1,000 residents to turn out for a ''tea party'' Tuesday that coincided with Ohio's Election Day.

Similar to other tea parties happening locally in recent months that were sponsored by We The People - Ohio Valley, Tuesday's rally against government spending and current federal policies took place on the steps of the Belmont County Courthouse.

Benjamin Franklin, portrayed by John Price of Wheeling, addressed those present.

''You tried to talk to your elected officials, and they ignored you,'' Price said.

This, he noted, resulted in past tea party rallies held on tax day, April 15, and Independence Day, July 4.

A national tea party took place in September in Washington.

''They lied about your numbers and your intent,'' Price said of the tea party attendees in Washington. ''And they still ignored you."

He read from the Declaration of Independence and spoke of the revolutionary sentiment in the 1770s that resulted in the original Boston tea party in 1773.

''Many people were imprisoned for what they did," Price said. "They lost their homes, their businesses were ransacked, and some never saw their families again.

''You may not have to pay that price, but you have to get out of your comfort zone. And I think you are the people to do it," he added.

Dr. James Caveney of Glen Dale drew applause when he reminded the crowd he wasn't ''using a teleprompter'' - a reference to a tool often used by President Barack Obama. Caveney spoke of recent statements by federal officials that more government spending was necessary to stop bankruptcies across the nation.

''Explain that one to me,'' Caveney said.

He told those present that they need to "quit arguing about malls and sports and work together."

He also spoke of the need for more science education in the schools so that the public - and elected officials - would know the truth about such matters as global warming.

According to Caveney, the state of Minnesota has mandated that all of its school buses run on ethanol. The problem with this, he continued, is that ethanol is quick to freeze, and Minnesota has especially cold winters.

''Now they're running the buses all night" so they won't fail to start in the morning, he said. ''You tell me that's saving the planet?"

Dr. George P. Naum of Wheeling said most physicians are opposed to the health care legislation presently before Congress, though it has been endorsed by the American Medical Association. The AMA represents about 25 percent of licensed physicians, according to Naum, and ''its numbers are dwindling,'' he said.

"It is a sham,'' Naum told the crowd about health care reform.