Tea Party Holds Strong Position in Prez Race

The tea party movement proved its potency in last year’s elections, helping Republicans achieve a smashing victory. And now the grass roots groups are asserting their strength in the 2012 presidential campaign, as potential candidates seek their support, Politico reports.

Political action committee Tea Party Express has recently met with several presidential hopefuls, including Haley Barbour, Gary Johnson, and John Bolton, and aides to Mitt Romney and Tim Pawlenty. The group is talking to Newt Gingrich Wednesday and has been in touch with Sarah Palin, Michele Bachmann, and Herman Cain.

“We’re doing them a favor by helping them reach an audience that is crucial to win, because I don’t think anybody can be elected without strong tea party support,” Sal Russo, the PAC’s chief strategist, told Politico.