(CNN) – Newt Gingrich announced Monday he received the backing of Todd Palin, husband of former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.
At an early afternoon Rotary Club meeting in Nashua, New Hampshire, Gingrich said he just learned of the developments.
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"About 20 minutes ago I got a very nice phone call from Todd Palin, Sarah's husband, and he indicated he was going to endorse me today," Gingrich said.
The 2012 GOP hopeful later sent out a message on his Twitter account, saying, "Honored to be endorsed by Todd Palin. President Obama has failed. We need a Bold Reagan Conservative in the WH."
Gingrich's message linked to an article on the website of ABC News, which first reported Todd Palin's endorsement.
In a statement released by Gingrich's campaign, Palin touted the candidate's leadership skills.
"Newt Gingrich is a true leader, which he has proven not only since the beginning of his campaign, but throughout his career," Palin wrote. "Just like Sarah, Newt has faced many successes and challenges. Despite his consultants leaving him last summer, Newt is still standing because of his ideas and his success in the debates – not by spending millions of dollars in campaign ads."
Todd Palin, often referred to as the "First Dude" by his wife when she was serving as Alaska's governor, has long served as one of Sarah Palin's closest political advisers.
Sarah Palin has yet to publicly endorse a candidate.
Also see:
Santorum to South Carolina: 'Step up'
Paul looking forward to South Carolina, caucus states
From CNN Politics
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@GI Joe – in the long haul, you are absolutely CORRECT!
Are you serious? WHO? Todd Palin LMAO!!!!
Nobody cares.
This and $5.00 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks any day, Newt.
Oh thank God. I wouldn't have been able to make a decision without input from the guy who drives a snowmobile for a living.
....but the important question is whom did Trig Palin and Joe-The-Plumber endorse?
Come on CNN, I would venture to say that you have much better stuff to report on than this crap. WHO CARES IF the Palins either one endorse anything at all.
Who is Todd Palin.?.... a out of work husband of and ex governor of Alaska. Who would want his endorsement? Boy these people are really weird as is Gingrich. This should help him get elected. NOT
And Sarah Palin endorses Glenn Rice..................
That will certainly alter the polling ( NOT)
Gingrich relased news on twitter to the follwers who do not exist?
Google about how Gingrich has manufactured fake followers on twitter. Check a sample of his followers, most are only following him.................hmmm, presidential.
Todd Palin who? I think an endorsement from Joe The Plummer would carry more weight.
I'm anxiously awaiting Bristol's endorsement.
Wonder who Arnold Ziffle (the pig from Green Acres) is going to endorse.
He's at least as important as Todd Palin, AND he's from the bible belt.
CNN should really stop publishing nonsense like this... utter and total nonsense. I am now dumber for having read it. Thanks for nothing CNN.
Really, now. Gingrich must be frothing at the mouth. And I endorse Huntsman. Does anyone really care?
Has Todd ever worn an American flag? He sure likes to wear that Flag of Alaska he shows in the photo. Just sayin'
That's about as relevant as getting one from Jethro form the BeverlyHibilly's. What a JOKE! He's a nobody
Whew... that article gave the a good laugh! The Palins actually thing they are revelant.
Wow this is a big endorsement!
Can't what to hear who the other spouses of failed canidates will endorse.
Does Todd Palin even have a job? Or does he just live off his wife cirus act?
Whew... that article gaveme a good laugh! The Palins actually thing they are revelant.
And this is news because there's someone out there that still cares about who either Palin is what they're doing? That's sad. Come on CNN, you're better than this.
Another slow news day at CNN.
This was toooo funny. Seriously, who gives a flip who Todd Palin endorses? I mean, look who the man is married to– that alone makes me question his judgement.
The votes should start pouring in by the millions now that Todd Palin has endorsed him. Good gawd... who possibly cares what that loser thinks.?