MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Wetumpka Tea Party founder Becky Gerritson came out swinging on the first day of her quest to unseat Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL02), calling the three-term incumbent “one of the nation’s most liberal Republicans.”

“Since day one, Martha Roby has aligned herself with establishment insiders and failed politicians,” Gerritson said in a press release officially announcing her campaign. “We have waited for six years for her to vote and lead on the conservative principles she campaigned on, but we have yet to see her muster the courage to stand strong on the issues we care about.”

A spokesperson for the Roby campaign dismissed the initial volley, saying that “Mrs. Gerritson has been running a quasi-campaign for years, so I’m glad she has decided to make it official.”

Gerritson is working to frame the race early as a choice between the grassroots and establishment wings of the GOP.

“I am unafraid to challenge the establishment of both parties,” said Gerrittson, “and I am ready to be the voice for life, liberty, and the Constitution of the United States that our district has sorely lacked… But first, we must get rid of the DC insiders who have failed us.”

Roby’s campaign appears to be welcoming the challenge.

“Elections are indeed a time to choose,” said Roby campaign spokesman Todd Stacy. “Alabama voters have rightly chosen a strong, smart, responsible conservative they can depend on in Martha Roby. She listens to the people and fights on their behalf against the entrenched bureaucracy in Washington. She will campaign vigorously to make sure her constituents always have representation in Congress that is strong, smart and responsible.”

The 2nd Congressional District primary is set to take place on March 1st, 2016, the same day as Alabama’s presidential primary. If the first day of the campaign is any indication, it is shaping up to be a contentious affair.

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— Cliff Sims (@Cliff_Sims) June 9, 2015