Protesters Gather Outside Congressman Meehan's Office Over Debt Ceiling Issue

SPRINGFIELD–More than 50 people are protesting the debt ceiling issue in front of U.S. Congressman Patrick Meehan’s (R-7th Dist.) Springfield office, observed Patch at around 11 a.m. Friday.

The protesters were rallying against

By 12:15 p.m., protesters, democrats, republicans and Tea Party members, packed up their signs and left the area. However, it was observed that some protesters who were supporting Meehan were seen going into his office.

During the protest, drivers were seen slowing down to read the big signs being carried and watched American flags wave, as well as some drivers honking their horns.

A landlord of Meehan's office building told protesters they could not stand on the grass in front of the office and that it was private property during the protest.

He told them to move their cars from the parking lot, in which no one complied.

Meehan's Press Secretary Maureen Keith told Patch over the phone from her Washington, D.C. office confirmed that the man was a landlord and not a representative of Meehan as Patch originally reported.

In an emailed statement sent by Keith, Meehan had this to say about the protest:

“Americans across the political spectrum are frustrated with the ongoing debt limit negotiations. I respect their ability to exercise their First Amendment right,” stated Meehan.

Two police officers were seen trying to tell the protesters to move.

"Seeing people out here being responsible about it (protesting) and exercising their rights is a beautiful thing," said one police officer who did not want to be identified.

Another group of protesters were there supporting Meehan, with one unidentified member saying they were there because they received an email from U.S. Republican Senator Pat Toomey urging them to.

Toomey's press secretary Rebecca Neal confirmed with Patch that Toomey and no one from his office sent any email telling people to protest in support of Meehan.