TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ Hundreds of Kansans turned out Tuesday to protest what they see as excessive taxes and wasteful government spending at rallies across the state.

Police estimated that up to 1,500 people joined a so-called "TEA Party'' near a U.S. Postal Service building in north Topeka. TEA stands for "Taxed Enough Already.''

Speakers included Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh, Rep. Joe Patton, Rep. Lana Gordon and Sen. Sam Brownback.

Americans for Prosperity helped organize the events. State Director, Derrick Sontag said a combination of economic factors in the past year have warranted the nationwide Tea Parties.

"There are folks that don't agree what the definition of stimulus is coming out of Washington, D.C. There are also folks that are tired of the handouts to Wall Street. They're tired of the federal bailouts that are going out," Sontag said.

Sen. Brownback said it's important people keep active, such as with these protests, to see changes made in Washington.

"On a weak economy you're raising taxes in a situation that can't stand it and you're going to further weaken the economy and you're going to further hurt the recovery efforts if this is done," Brownback said. "It is unlikely to be heard unless there's grassroots movements really swelling up to encourage people to speak out."

Brownback flew to Topeka from the Wichita Tea Party.

About 1,000 people came to a Wichita rally, snarling traffic and parking for blocks around the field near the city's Mid-Continent Airport.

Organizers planned rallies in about 35 Kansas communities. An event in Lakin, in southwest Kansas, drew about 40 people.

Much of the criticism focused on the economic policies pursued by President Barack Obama and fellow Democrats who control Congress. Those policies include the recently enacted federal stimulus package.