TEA Party Endorses Newt Gingrich in Florida Primary

The TEA Party of Florida endorsed Newt Gingrich in the Florida presidential primary, saying the former House speaker has "articulated direct and serious steps designed to reduce spending, cut our deficits, pay down our national debt, and return liberty to our citizens in doing so."

Reconstituted from the party whose candidates garnered 310,000 votes in 20 races in 2010, TEA is pursuing a broader outreach strategy this year.

Chairman John Long said that in addition to fielding its own slate of candidates, the party plans to endorse like-minded candidates from the major parties in other selected races.

"People ask us, 'Who is the TEA Party?' and we say, 'You are,'" Long stated.

"When you speak out against out-of-control spending and officials that refuse to act responsibly with our money, you are the TEA Party.'"

The 310,000 votes received by TEA (Taxed Enough Already) candidates in 2010 was the third largest total of any party in the state.