Bobby Jindal for Rick Perry
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is endorsing Rick Perry in the 2012 presidential race, POLITICO has confirmed.
The news, first reported by CNN, is not a shock, since the two have a relationship, but Jindal - a rising star in the party - is nonetheless a good get for Perry as he seeks to solidify his standing as a frontrunner in the GOP primary.
The announcement is set to come just before tonight's CNN-hosted debate, and Jindal will be on hand in Florida at the event as a Perry guest, the network said.
A source familiar the move, confirms the endorsement.
Jindal had indicated in an interview with POLITICO earlier this month that he'd likely wait until after his own re-election this fall, but he was freed up when no major Democrat filed to run against him.
The Louisianan is a policy wizard and a relentless fundraiser and can help Perry on both counts. The two have worked together on disaster relief and competed good-naturedly against one another on attracting jobs, so they already have an easy rapport.
Combine all that with his getting on board early and being a youthful 40 and a first-generation Indian-American, and he'd almost certainly be on Perry's short list should the Texan get the nomination.
In terms of local politics, supporting his neighbor to the west was something of a no brainer for Jindal. The overwhelming number of Louisiana Republicans are likely to support their fellow Southerner.
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0911/63274.html#ixzz1Xlu2ux3t
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