Clawson to give Tea Party SOTU response

Rep. Curt Clawson (R-Fla.) will deliver the Tea Party response to President Obama’s State of the Union on Tuesday night.

“Congressman Curt Clawson represents the face of this new, conservative vision for America’s economic renewal,” Taylor Budowich, Tea Party Express executive director, said in a statement, announcing the decision.

{mosads}“His response will highlight the importance of the Republican Party’s efforts to branch out from the narrow walls of yesterday’s GOP. He will articulate an inclusive message that focuses on providing economic liberty and individual opportunity for every American.”

Clawson is set to speak immediately after Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) gives the Republican Party’s main address. Budowich noted that Ernst received his group’s endorsement in her primary and said he supported her selection.

Clawson emerged victorious from a contentious special election in June and took over for former Rep. Trey Radel (R-Fla.), who resigned after he pleaded guilty to cocaine possession. The former Purdue basketball player won reelection in November in a landslide victory

The Tea Party Express’s State of the Union responses have included some big names in the past. 2012 presidential candidates Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) and businessman Herman Cain (R-Ga.) spoke in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Potential 2016 presidential candidates Sens. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) spoke in 2013 and 2014.

In addition to responses from Clawson and Ernst, the GOP also tapped freshman Rep. Carlos Curbelo (Fla.) to give the Spanish-language response. That speech will have the same content as Ernst’s.

“Carlos Curbelo is a fresh voice with a positive vision for a future of opportunity and prosperity,” Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said in a statement. “He is exactly what Washington needs, and the person Americans should hear from in this time of challenge and opportunity for our country.”