DAWSONVILLE — Tea Party Patriots from across North Georgia rallied Saturday for tax cuts and to stop wasteful spending.

"It's time to cut America's credit card," said Jenny Beth Martin, co-founder of the Tea Party Patriots.

"Part of the reason we're in the situation we are in is individuals in this country are spending more than they should be. It's time for us to cut that card so we can leave something for our children."

About 200 people attended the rally, some from as far away as Dalton, organizers said.

One of several speakers at the Dawson County Tea Party's Tax Day Rally, Martin said upcoming national elections are America's only hope to have leaders who will adhere to the group's core values of fiscal responsibility, constitutionally limited government and free markets.

"We have a long term goal as Tea Party Patriots. It's not to sit around," she said.

"If there's a Republican district and they're not doing what we want, we've got to find another Republican to run against him in the primary.

"If it's a Democrat district and a Democrat's not doing what we want, we need to find a Democrat to run against him in the primary."

She said the 9th U.S. House District is fortunate to have Rep. Tom Graves.

"He's one of the few people who are standing up and doing the right thing," Martin said.

"And he's not waiting for others to stand up and do the right thing."

Graves spoke at the rally, saying Americans must continue to believe they can make a difference.

"Circumstances are dire. I think we can all agree to that. But there is still hope. This is the nation of exceptionalism, the nation where a dream is a possibility," Graves said.

"It's our DNA as Americans that can help us get through these difficult days.

"It's up to us in North Georgia. We can rekindle that flame."