Rand Paul to give Tea Party response to Obama speech

Catalina Camia, USA TODAY | USATODAY

Sen. Rand Paul has been tapped to deliver the Tea Party response to President Obama's State of the Union Address.

The Kentucky Republican, who is considering a 2016 presidential bid, will speak at the National Press Club in Washington on Tuesday night after Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress. Paul's remarks will be hosted by the Tea Party Express, one of the largest groups in the small government, anti-tax movement.

"Since the president has been re-elected, the debt has continued to skyrocket and unemployment has ticked up, but he has offered no solutions and has shown no leadership," said Amy Kremer, chairwoman of the Tea Party Express. "In contrast, Sen. Rand Paul has put forth solutions that would spur economic growth and rein in Washington's out-of-control spending."

There is typically only one response to the president's speech. But in 2011, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann became the first to give a rebuttal on behalf of the Tea Party. Her remarks came in addition to the official GOP response delivered by Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis.

This year, the Tea Party will have two favorites in the spotlight. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., will be giving the official Republican response and speaks first, with Paul to follow.