On Thursday, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin announced that she was backing U.S. Rep. Sandy Adams over U.S. Rep. John Mica in a Republican primary battle pitting two Central Florida incumbents against each other.

"In 2012, we have a unique opportunity to elect more common-sense conservatives to Congress, but that alone is not enough,” Palin said. “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. 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 doesn’t 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 children’s future at risk. Let’s start to restore power to the people. Please join me in supporting Sandy Adams today."

"Governor Sarah Palin has led the charge for conservatives," said Adams. "While many politicians subscribe to the notion of the status quo, Governor Palin has risen above it. She knows that the true power of our country comes from the American people – not the Washington establishment or special interest groups. Governor Palin knows our nation is drowning in debt and the only way for our country to survive is to send true fiscal conservatives to Washington, D.C.”