If there is one politician who can legitimately make a foundational claim to the TP it is Sarah. Her vision, clarity, vigorous voice and maddeningly (to libs) upbeat attitude are the spirit of the TP.
Wish we had a video of her that was undoubtedly the beginning of ‘Taxed Enough Already’ citizens cry.
OK I’m finding a bit of additional information:
http://www.teapartyexpress.org/history
Our Country Deserves Better – Tea Party Express is considered the largest and most successful political action committee within the Tea Party movement. Tea Party Express began as Our Country Deserves Better Committee, which began its rise to prominence during the 2008 election cycle when John McCain tapped Sarah Palin as his vice president pick. OCDB aired hundreds of thousands of dollars in television advertisements for Governor Palin, including a “Thank You Sarah Palin” ad campaign to help promote her conservative voice in America.
This preceeds the “Tea Party”.
However it appears the 2009 time was also the actual “Tea Party” formation.
Of course readers might have additional/alternative information which may be better.