Sarah Palin jumps into Adams-Mica showdown

Sarah Palin today endorsed Rep.Sandy Adams in her tight primary battle with longtime Rep. John Mica.

"In 2012, we have a unique opportunity to elect more commonsense conservatives to Congress, but that alone is not enough. We must support conservatives who are with us on the issues but not weighed down with the burden of crony capitalism that is so prevalent in Washington, D.C.," Palin writes. "Congresswoman Sandy Adams is just one of those candidates. Unlike her opponent, Sandy is free from the shackles of lobbyists and back door dealings in Washington. As someone who served in the military and a career law enforcement officer, Sandy doesnt have time or the patience for the business as usual ways of Washington. Washington insiders on both sides of the aisle have spent this country into massive debt and put our childrens future at risk."

Adams was elected in 2010 (Palin backed her then over a Democratic incumbent) as part of a tea party wave that gave Republicans control of the House and exposed inter-party tension with the old guard. Mica is seeking his 11th term. It remains to be seen how much juice a Palin endorsement will provide in 2012.