(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.
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Todd. Palin's. Big. Endoresement.
The combination of these four words represents everything wrong with the coverage of politics in America.
Todd Palin endorsement? Kiss of death.
Who is Levi Endorsing ?
Well, that sinks Gingrich's campaign.
I am endorsing Obama
Big whoopie do!!!!!
Well that should just about wrap it up for ol Newt!
Who is Todd Palin. Come to think of it who is Sarah Palin and on top of that who really cares?
I guess Todds endorsement of Newt cancels out my endorsement of Donald.
Wow, endorsed by Todd Palin. Doesn't get much better than that.
This is news?
I DONT THINK HIS ENDORSEMENT MEANS MUCH. NOT MUCH AT ALL.
That seals it! I'm voting for Newt.
Not.
Who is he to endorse anyone? Why is he in the news? Thought we were done with this family. Please go away.
Wow. And this is newsworthy how?
Who?
and just who is Todd Palin again?
Who cares about what Todd Palin thinks? He married Sarah. They should say something of his credibility.
Todd Palin is irrelevant
Todd who?