Curt Clawson to Offer Tea Party Response to Obama's SOTU

U.S. Rep. Curt Clawson, R-Fla., will offer the Tea Party Expresss response to President Barack Obamas State of the Union Address on Tuesday.

Tea Party Express Executive Director Taylor Budowich made the announcement on Thursday. Clawson was in the news earlier in the month for voting for U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., instead of U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, to lead the chamber.

2015 marks a year of new beginnings for the tea party movement, Budowich said on Thursday. "With historic victories in both the House and Senate, conservatives are poised to push a bold, reform-minded agenda through Congress. These new tea party members of Congress are brimming with ideas to make America economically stronger with opportunity for all to realize the American dream. We are honored to present Florida Congressman Curt Clawson, the first Tea Party Express victory for the 2014 cycle, as someone committed to making Congress deliver for the American people.

Budowich explained why his group chose Clawson to offer the response to Obama.

Congressman Curt Clawson represents the face of this new, conservative vision for Americas economic renewal, Budowich said. Clawson never envisioned serving his country in Congress earlier in his life, but after he retired Clawson decided to take his private-sector, solutions-based ideas to change the debate on Capitol Hill. Prior to joining Congress in 2014, Congressman Clawson was a successful business leader that took over a multinational company that was $2 billion in debt. Through his vision and leadership, he turned the company around and saved close to 600 American jobs.

Clawson, a former Purdue University basketball co-captain, understands the importance of teamwork and bringing people together to win, Budowich added. His response will highlight the importance of the Republican Party's efforts to branch out from the narrow walls of yesterdays GOP. He will articulate an inclusive message that focuses on providing economic liberty and individual opportunity for every American. We are proud to be partnering with Congressman Clawson, and we are excited to hear his response to President Obama on Tuesday night.