It's official: Local Tea Party leader Patty Weaver is entering the race for county executive. She's running as a Republican, of course -- Weaver became a state GOP committeeperson last year, after all -- though apparently the movement is still billing itself as non-partisan. 

About 15 minutes ago, the Pittsburgh Tea Party Movement Planning Committee sent out the following notice:

We invite you to attend an historic event on Thursday, February 10, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. in front of the City-County Building at 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Our Pittsburgh Tea Party leader, Patti Weaver, will announce her candidacy for Allegheny County Executive at that time. Influential leaders in the Republican Party in Allegheny County and statewide have recognized her strong values, leadership ability, excellent educational background and various other skills and have urged her to run for this position. This is an important step to restoring common-sense leadership to our county with an individual who values free markets, fiscal responsibility and a limited government, who would use her education and private sector expertise to insure economic growth, job creation and the long-term health of our region.

While our tea party group is comprised of democrats, independents republicans, and other groups, our highest priority is electing leaders who will work for the best interest of taxpayers, our region, our families and future generations regardless of affiliation. Patti responded to the Republican opportunity to represent our values to like-minded citizens looking for new leadership in Allegheny County. As a grassroots group, we must take advantage of this opportunity to break from the special interest of the past and lead our region in the right direction.

Please join us as we send off our Pittsburgh Tea Party Movement leader with our blessings and thanks for her outstanding contribution to the grassroots movement of Western Pennsylvania.

The news comes as little surprise. And in fact, the blogosphere has already prepared her a warm welcome.