Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., will deliver the Tea Party’s official response to President Obama’s State of the Union address on Tuesday, Tea Party Express announced on Friday.
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., will deliver the Republican response.
“Since the President has been re-elected, the debt has continued to skyrocket and unemployment has ticked up, but he has offered no solutions and has shown no leadership,” said Tea Party Express Chairman Amy Kremer. “In contrast, Senator Rand Paul has put forth solutions that would spur economic growth and rein in Washington’s out-of-control spending. We are excited that Senator Paul, a conservative leader and strong voice for the Tea Party movement, will be offering our perspective on the state of the union.”
The first Tea Party response was given by Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., in 2011, and former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain delivered last year’s response.
Tea Party Express’ announcement was greeted with apprehension on Twitter, with some wondering if having a separate Tea Party response will do more harm than good.
“What is Rand Paul going to say that is so different than Rubio? Also, who decides his speech reps Tea Party and not Rubio’s?” tweeted one person.
“I think this marginalizes Rand Paul. Mistake for him,” agreed another.
And one disgruntled Republican wrote, “The problem with being a Republican these days is that you don’t know who you are supporting, the GOP or Tea Party. There is no leadership.”
