Herman Cain will deliver Tea Party response to the State of the Union

Herman Cain will deliver the Tea Party Express response to President Obama's State of the Union address.

Tea Party Express, a political action committee, announced on Thursday that the former presidential candidate would be the speaker. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), who also ran for president, was the Tea Party Express speaker in 2011.

"We are excited to have Herman Cain deliver the 2nd Tea Party State of the Union response next week," Tea Party Express chief strategist Sal Russo said in a statement.

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels will give the official Republican response to the address.

"We are enthusiastic that a successful conservative governor like Mitch Daniels of Indiana will be giving the Republican response," Russo continued. "I know that both Governor Daniels and Mr. Cain will contribute important ideas for the future of our country."

Cain's signature policy during his campaign was his 9-9-9 flat-tax plan — which would be a 9 percent flat tax, 9 percent income tax and 9 percent national sales tax. Russo alluded to that in his statement.

"Whether it is a flat tax, a fair tax or a combination of the two, reforming the tax code must be a priority. Americans want straight talk and honest solutions, and Herman Cain will deliver a pro-growth message strongly and clearly," Russo added.

Also on Thursday, Cain spoke at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference in South Carolina, where he revealed his presidential endorsement. He said he decided to endorse "we the people."

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