BUTLER TWP — Several Republican congressional candidates pulled out of a TEA Party forum Sunday because the venue was owned by another candidate. Instead, they held a separate rally on the other side of the township.

The TEA Party rally, organized by Freedom Patriots, was at Mike Kelly's car dealership. Kelly, Martha Moore and Steve Fisher made appearances as candidates for the 3rd Congressional District. Candidates for the lieutenant governor's office also were given a chance to speak.

Though they originally had agreed to attend, other 3rd District candidates decided Saturday to back out and hold a different rally.

Candidates Clayton Grabb, Paul Huber, Ed Franz and Moore held a forum at the Odd Fellows Gazebo in Alameda Park at the same time. Each was given a chance to talk about the issues before a question-and-answer session with the audience.

"After much deliberation and mutual agreement, we feel that the location of the venue offered as courtesy by candidate Mike Kelly to the TEA Party organizers presents a non-neutral setting for the other candidates to present themselves and their positions in an open forum," said a letter signed by the candidates.

The letter went on to say that because the lot is owned by Kelly, they wanted a different setting for an "open candidate forum."

"This will be a no frills event strictly to inform voters, and Mr. Kelly is more than welcome to join this event and speak with his fellow candidates at a neutral setting," the letter said.

They extended their apologies to the Freedom Patriots.