Surprise, Surprise, the Tea Party Endorses GOP

The Rhode Island Tea Party has gone to great lengths to emphasize its nonpartisan approach to politics. But if its PAC's endorsements are any indication, the organization prefers partying with Republicans. Of its 40 endorsements in General Assembly races, just two go to Democrats - the conservative Jon Brien and Michael Pinga - and four to independents. The rest go to GOPers.

The Tea Party also endorses Republicans for governor, treasurer, and attorney general. It supports independent Robert Healey, backed by the GOP, for lieutenant governor.