Gingrich the favorite among Tea Party Patriots in Florida

The Tea Party Patriots on Sunday surveyed their members, producing at least one poll showing Newt Gingrich with an advantage in Florida.

Here is a news release with the details:

Today, the Tea Party Patriots, the nation’s largest tea party organization, announced that Newt Gingrich leads their Tea Party Straw Poll in Florida with 35 percent of the vote following Sunday night’s Tea Party Patriots Presidential Tele Forum which featured questions by Florida activists and leaders of Republican presidential candidates Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum (Ron Paul was invited but could not attend). 

Nearly 6,000 Tea Party activists in Florida participated in the call, and 600 voted in the Straw Poll.  Tea Party Patriots do not endorse candidates, but the Straw Poll provides a snapshot of Florida Tea Party Patriots activists. 

“Last night's Tele Forum and Straw Poll demonstrated again that the tea party values are winning in America,” said Jenny Beth Martin, Co-Founder and National Coordinator for Tea Party Patriots.  “The three participating candidates all pledged to decrease spending below the current spending level their first fiscal year in office, and vowed to repeal government controlled health care.  As long as tea party supporters hold the elected officials accountable, regardless of whom is elected, our priorities will be addressed.” 

Straw Poll results:Question: If the election were held today, who would you vote for?         Newt Gingrich                                35%
        Rick Santorum                               31%
        Mitt Romney                                   18%
        Ron Paul                                         11%
        Undecided/None of the Above     5%