This story has been shared from sister station News14.com

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

WEDDINGTON, N.C. -- It wasn't an official GOP event, but Wednesday's Rock the Red rally offered North Carolina conservatives a chance to push back against the messages coming from Democrats at the convention in Charlotte.

"When they do talk about solutions, they're just talking about more government solutions,” said North Carolina House Speaker Thom Tillis. “That's not sustainable. We've seen it over the past few years.”

Tillis said Democrats choose to ignore high unemployment, skyrocketing debt and a government that's out of control.

“I think one of the first things you have to do to recover is to recognize your affliction," he said.

Rock the Red was supposed to happen at Bojangles' Coliseum just outside of Uptown Charlotte, but organizers couldn't sell enough tickets to fulfill their contract at the city-owned arena.

Dixie Manriquez came all the way from Wisconsin and said the location isn't as important as the message.

"We have a few gatherings up there, but nothing like this," she said.

Many attendees said President Obama's health care law is among their top concerns.

"I'm amused by the fact that they say this is an achievement," said Jim Martin, who spoke at the event.

Tillis said grassroots support is critical to a Romney-Ryan victory in November.

"Any event like this, I don't care if it's 10 people or 10,000 people, I'm going to be there," he said.

Manriquez plans to take that message back home to Wisconsin, saying "I pray Romney and Ryan win."