Todd Palin endorses Gingrich in GOP race

Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich on Monday picked up the endorsement of Todd Palin, the husband of former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, who said the former House speaker shares qualities with his famous wife.

"Newt Gingrich is a true leader, which he has proven not only since the beginning of his campaign, but throughout his caree," Palin said in a statement. "Just like Sarah, Newt has faced many successes and challenges. Despite his consultants leaving him last summer, Newt is still standing because of his ideas and his success in the debates - not by spending millions of dollars in campaign ads. From Day One, he has focused on how we can create jobs to get Americans back to work. This is a true testament to his leadership, commitment and hard work.

Palin called himself a political independent, and said he believes Gingrich can work with both Republicans and Democrats. Palin's decision to put in a good word for Gingrich could be helpful with the tea party Republicans who catapulted Sarah Palin to political fame.