Palin in TIME list of influential people a joke, says ex-Governor

Washington, May 4 (ANI): Former Massachusetts Governor and GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney has jokingly dismissed Sarah Palin's inclusion on TIME's list of influential people.

Romney, who was appearing on CNN's "State of the Union," was replying to a question from moderator John King on whether TIME's inclusion of Palin and talk show host Rush Limbaugh on their list of "The World's Most Influential People" was good or bad for the Republican Party, said was "the issue on the most beautiful people or the most influential people?"

"I think there are 100 influential Republicans alone who have tremendous ideas and I hope that we can all work together to accomplish what we believe is best for America," Palin countered through a spokeswoman.

Romney, who was appearing with House Minority Whip Eric Cantor as part of a party re-launch the two are organizing with other prominent Republicans under the banner of the National Council for a New America, was laughing and smiling as he said it.

But Romney's quip reflects the deep unease among many in the GOP establishment. (ANI)