Sign of the times: NH tea partiers split on candidate endorsements - Paul, Newt, and Santorum [View all]

[pampango]

In an example of how Mitt Romney could benefit in Tuesday's primary by a continued split among New Hampshire conservatives, two key state Tea Party/liberty movement leaders today endorsed different candidates.

Jerry DeLemus of Rochester, chairman of the Granite State Patriots Liberty PAC, today gave his personal endorsement to Rick Santorum. DeLemus had been one of the few New Hampshire backers of Michele Bachmann, who dropped out of the race on Wednesday following a poor showing in the Iowa caucuses .

Jane Aitken of Bedford, co-founder of the New Hampshire Tea Party Coalition and a member of the board of the Coalition of New Hampshire Taxpayer, gave her personal endorsement to Ron Paul.

Several weeks ago, another leading Tea Party activist, Jack Kimball, backed Newt Gingrich. Kimball founded the GSPL PAC and was DeLemus's predecessor as chairman.

http://www.unionleader.com/article/20120106/NEWS0605/110609989

Interesting dynamic. Tea baggers will support practically anybody but Mitt, but by splitting the anti-Mitt vote so thoroughly they help him finish in first place and coast closer to the nomination.