Watch CBS News

Patrick: Romney Win In Iowa A Victory For Tea Party

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick says GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney is increasingly appealing to the most conservative elements of the Republican Party as he seeks the party's presidential nod.

Patrick, a Democrat and close ally of President Obama, called Romney's razor thin victory over Rick Santorum in Iowa a "win for the tea party."

Patrick, who is serving as a political surrogate for Obama this year, made his comments Wednesday morning on the CBS "Early Show."

Patrick said that while Romney hasn't always been aligned with what he called the hard right of the Republican Party, he is increasingly appealing to tea party and other conservative activists as he seeks the GOP nomination.

Patrick also said his predecessor in the governor's office took what he called a hands-off approach to jobs and education.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.