Hayworth to be Tea Party spokesman

The Tea Party is expected to announce that former Rep. JD Hayworth (R-Ariz.) will become a national spokesperson for the movement, a source close to the matter told The Hill.

Despite Hayworth's unwavering support of tax cuts enacted by President George W. Bush and seeking to permanently end taxes on capital gains and estates, the Tea Party earlier this year did not back his bid to unseat Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). 

Four of the state's largest tea party groups refused to endorse him because of his voting record in Congress. 

"The tea party is a non-partisan, grassroots movement that stands for limited government, free markets and fiscal responsibility," said Robert Mayer of the Tucson Tea Party, according to new reports from March. "Both McCain and Hayworth's records during their many years in Washington leave much to be desired on these issues." 

Tea Party favorite former Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin (R) backed McCain, however. 

Hayworth wound up losing to the senator in the Arizona primary with just 32 percent of the vote. 

In March, Hayworth said tea party support was vital to winning an election.