On CNN's American Morning program this morning, Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick was asked about being the only Democrat endorsed by the national Tea Party Express group. "They're just ordinary folks who think the government ought to balance this budget. There's nothing very radical about that so I'm pleased to have their endorsement," Minnick told CNN. The network reported that the group, which just wrapped up its three-week, 47-city "Just Vote Them Out!" bus tour, listed 13 Democrats on its "Tea Party Targets" list and 13 Republicans plus Minnick on its "Tea Party Heroes" list. Among Republicans named with Minnick on the "Heroes" list were Florida Senate candidate Marco Rubio, Pennsylvania Senate candidate Pat Toomey, Rep. Michele Bachmann and Rep. Joe Wilson.

Said Minnick, "My state supports independent people who do what's best for our constituents, and good ideas come from both parties."