The Hill News

The leaders of 50 Tea Party groups wrote Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) on Wednesday urging him to press forward with labor reform efforts in his state.

The Tea Party coalition sought to boost Walker amid massive protests in the state capital against legislation that would limit most collective bargaining rights for many state employees, and force increased contributions to benefits and pension programs.

"We applaud the serious approach you have taken to tackle the challenges facing your state," the Tea Partiers wrote. "We call on Wisconsin’s Senate Democrats to match your seriousness by returning to the jobs that Wisconsin voters elected them to do.  It is time that Wisconsin Senate Democrats stop shirking their responsibilities and show up for work."

The letter is signed by several national Tea Party leaders, as well as the leader of the Wisconsin Tea Party Patriots, as well as some local groups in the Badger State. But most of the! signatories are from out-of-state groups.

The letter is also on the letterhead of American Solutions, the 527 advocacy group formed by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R).

The protests in Madison continue, as union members and college students gear up for Thursday, when they hope to host their largest demonstrations to date. Walker, along with the state Senate's Democratic members, who have fled the state to halt action on the labor reforms, have shown no signs of budging in their positions.

The Tea Party groups promised "steadfast support" for Walker, and urged him not to back down.

Find the whole letter here: