
(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


This is a joke, right?
Who will get Snooki's endorsement? Now that will be news. Only Faux News thinks Todd Palin's endorsement is important.
The headline on the front page reads, "Ticker: Todd Palin's big endorsement." News flash: In terms of significance, there is not a single thing associated with Todd Palin that can be considered "big" by any definition.
Good for newt. He just picked up about 2000 votes nationally.
I'm sorry CNN. Is this really news?!?!?!?!?
Does anyone know who Kitty Dukakis is endorsing?
Who would ever guess two losers would endorse one and another.palin left alaskins out in the dark when she quit the governorship and Poor old newt just had to divorce his wife when he found out she had cancer.If we were to get attacked they both would run for the hills forget Joe q public that voted for Newt.the only thing that those two parties are interested in is the jingle of coins in their pocket and it would probably have been yours at some time or another.
Ohhhh Tawd!
Palin endorsed Gingrich? Well, gosh by golly. That does it for me. Anybody BUT Newt! (Isn't it funny that he actually considers that his endorsement matters?)
LMAO, Todd who? I love how Newt and the other idiots keep saying the President failed. Were all his policy's winners, no. But then no President has been right about everything. Obama has created over 2 million jobs the last two years, unemployment is finally going down (something that only went up during Bush term and unfortunately carried over into the current administration), created a health care plan, got us out of Iraq, got rid of Bin Laden, and the list goes on of his accomplishments.
Don't get me wrong, there is plenty he didn't accomplish but when you have a hostile Congress to work with, is it that hard to believe why he didn't. Members of the government are suppose to work for the people, not work hard to get one man fired by holding the American people hostage. Way to go GOP! Oh and Newt, drop out now, you would never win against Obama in a general elections anyway!!!
We should care about the support from the spouse of a failed VP candidate and failed governor for what reason exactly?
NOT NEWS. CNN, PLEASE stop fabricating People magazine-style stories and trying to slide it in as political news.
Gingrich just has a tin ear. This will be on Saturday Night Live this week, and on Letterman tonight.
Utterly worthless! Who cares? Meaningless!! Only an endorsement from Millard Fillmore could be more ridiculous!
Todd Palin is trying to keep himself and his wife relevant because Sarah now lives in Arizona, and will be running for John McCain's senate seat when his term is up–just wait and see. That's why she moved to Arizona. Todd is an idiot first for marrying Sarah "Spreadsherlegseasily" and second for endorsing Gingrich. What a stupid sackofpoop.
Well how about that. This is as good as it gets.
Isn't Todd's "big endorsement" a private matter between him and the bimbo he married?
Todd, thanks for letting us know ! I'm sure with your extensive background in political matters that Newt feels very supported by such a broad base of one .
This is almost as big news as Homer Simpson endorsing Ted Nugent!!!
Its a worthless endorsement from an idiot but I wonder how much Newt had to pay for it? We all know the Palins dont do anything for free.
Awwww, the snow mobiler is getting bored.
Newt: that is the kiss of death!
Is Todd Palin the baby with Downs Syndrome?
Todd and Sarah Palin? Who are these people? I suggest taking a second look at Jon Huntsman. He's the most level-headed reasonable one of the whole bunch. He lets nothing rattle him; good characteristics.
and the world replies: Gingrich's credibility takes another hit
I haven't been this excited about a political tidbit since I heard Sarah likes White on Rice.