DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Amid a backlash, a program pitched as a way for shoppers to support an Ohio tea party group has been suspended after less than a week. The Tea Party Exchange in Dayton issued cards to consumers and said if they shopped at participating merchants, 5 percent of the proceeds would go to the local tea party chapter.
About 30 businesses signed up but some quickly dropped out, saying customers complained. One business owner says he received threats and was called a Nazi.
As of Tuesday, the Exchange website carried a notice saying operations were stopped until further notice.
The merchants want their $150 annual membership fees refunded.
Exchange founder Donald Hutchinson did not immediately return messages for comment Wednesday.
