TEA Party Endorses Selected Republicans in State Races

In addition to fielding 21 of its own candidates statewide, the TEA (Taxed Enough Already) Party is endorsing several other hopefuls in the primary.

In a press release, TEA said it was recommending these "real Republicans for the GOP nomination":

Congress: Ross Bieling in CD 8 and Deon Long in CD 24. Both seats are held by freshman Democrats.

State Senate: Charles Perniciano in SD 8 (RPOF Chairman John Thrasher's seat).

State House:

• Lori Halbert in District 31 (vs. Republican incumbent John Tobia).
• Craig McCarthy in District 36 (vs. Democratic incumbent Scott Randolph).
• Kevin Wright in District 61 (vs. Republican incumbent Will Weatherford).
• Chevon Baccus in District 66 (open seat).
• Thomas Chalifoux in District 79 (vs. Republican incumbent Mike Horner).
• Tami Donnally in District 85 (vs. incumbent Democrat Joseph Abruzzo).

Interestingly, TEA is running its own candidates in two of these races: Peg Dunmire in CD 8 and Jose Alvarez in state House District 79. So don't expect those GOP endorsements to stick.

Explaining the party's strategy, TEA consultant Doug Guetzloe said:

"If TEA did not involve itself in the primary process then it could be argued that we did nothing to help reform the Republican Party -- only run candidates against whomever ended up being nominated.

"This way, TEA is actively involved in nominating real Republicans, dispelling the myth that TEA is just trying to defeat Republicans and elect Democrats."