Joe Carr
Sarah Palin speaks during the Faith and Freedom Coalition Road to Majority 2013 conference in Washington in this June 15, 2013, file photo.NASHVILLE - One-time vice presidential candidate and tea party icon Sarah Palin says in a Facebook posting that she's backing state Rep. Joe Carr in his GOP primary challenge to incumbent U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.
"Thank you, Lamar Alexander, for the respect and integrity you've shown in your many years of public service in Washington," said Palin, national Republicans' 2008 vice presidential nominee, in the post.
But, she added, "With the new challenges in D.C., the time has come for new leaders who are willing to stand up to the political establishments and the Obama administration and say, 'no mas!'
"Unfortunately, advocating and voting for amnesty, cash for clunkers, bailouts, raising the debt ceiling, and many controversial Obama administration nominees has marred the incumbent's record. It's time for a change."
Finally, she said, "Joe Carr is the new voice Tennessee needs in the U.S. Senate!"