Stockman Wary of Media at Upcoming Tea Party Event

Since launching his bid for U.S. Senate last month, U.S. Rep. Steve Stockman's campaign has engaged in a very cautious media strategy. The campaign has ignored most media requests and Stockman has made few public appearances.

On Monday, Stockman is a scheduled speaker at the NE Tarrant Tea Party's monthly meeting in Bedford. The group's events are usually open to the press but Stockman's presence has prompted an exception.

President Julie McCarty wrote members Sunday to announce that the group will hear from Stockman twice on Monday, but only one instance will be open to reporters.

"Stockman is addressing NE Tarrant Tea Party on Monday night at our meeting, but because we know Press will be there, he cannot speak freely about campaign strategy," McCarty wrote. "Instead, we are holding a 'meeting before the meeting' for those interested."

McCarty also told the Tribune that photographers and videographers will not be permitted at Monday's monthly meeting, a change from the group's policy in the past. 

Stockman is one of seven Republicans vying to unseat U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in the March primary.