T.W. Shannon talks about Palin endorsement, Tea Party split

In the U.S. Senate race to replace Tom Coburn, T.W. Shannon is still considered the underdog, against fellow GOP hopeful James Lankford, but Shannon's not worried.

The former Speaker of the Oklahoma House seems to be getting some traction.

He went on the John Gibson show Monday to talk about his endorsement from Sarah Palin.

"Governor Palin's track record of helping to elect underdogs like myself, who are fighting against the Washington D.C. establishment 'machine', she's made a difference as much as anybody in any race," Shannon said.

But Gibson couldn't get him to 'bite', when asking about the split inside the Tea Party, asking him if he would side with Senator Rand Paul or Senator Ted Cruz.

"Well listen," Shannon responded, "I don't need to know either one of them personally.  I'm going to be a leader much like Dr. Coburn was."

He says he'll stand with WHOEVER lowers government debt and spending.