Congressman Who Voted for Rand Paul as Speaker to Give Tea Party Response

Curt Clawson, a congressman from Florida’s 19th district who assumed office in 2014, has been selected by Tea Party Express to rebut the president’s State of the Union.

Very honored to accept the opportunity from @TeaPartyExpress to give a response to the SOTU and offer real solutions for America’s future.

— Rep. Curt Clawson (@RepCurtClawson) January 16, 2015

Who is he?

Clawson, who defeated three other primary challengers in a special election, went on to beat April Freeman in the general election.

He is a basketball star from Purdue University. While at Purdue, Clawson was a two-time All-Academic Big Ten selection. In 1983-84 he was the team captain in the Big Ten Champions. He was also on two NCAA teams and an NIT finalist in 1984.

Clawson used basketball during some of his campaign ads. He even challenged President Barack Obama to a one-on-one basketball shootout

Clawson has also stood up against leaders on Capitol Hill. He refused to vote for John Boehner, R-Ohio, for speaker.

After caucusing with my colleagues tonight, I will be voting for a change in House Leadership tomorrow. Now is a good time for change.

— Rep. Curt Clawson (@RepCurtClawson) January 6, 2015

He turned heads when he stood up during the speaker vote and voted for Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky

Just cast my vote for a new Speaker – @SenRandPaul.

— Rep. Curt Clawson (@RepCurtClawson) January 6, 2015

Paul quickly responded that he was up for the job.

@RepCurtClawson Thanks! When do I start? #StandWithRand

— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) January 6, 2015

Clawson has painted himself as an outsider and some agree.

Curt Clawson votes for Sen. Rand Paul for speaker of the House. Now there’s an outsider for you.

— Brent Batten (@NDN_BrentBatten) January 6, 2015

And tonight this outsider will respond to Obama’s remarks in the State of the Union.

This piece has been corrected to reflect when Rep. Clawson took office.