Perry Press Release Backfires – Highlights Eroding Support

Last Thursday, the Rick Perry Campaign sought to do some damage control in Arkansas following the endorsement of Mitt Romney by Lieutenant Governor Mark Darr and Congressman Tim Griffin.  He quickly sent out a press release highlighting his Arkansas endorsements. However, it looks like he was a bit too quick.

The press release highlighted the endorsement of State Land Commissioner John Thurston and 19 GOP state legislators.  Two big problems.

First, Thurston tells the AP today he has not endorsed Perry and does not plan to. He says they talked to him, but he did not endorse him. He says he also likes Herman Cain.

Another big problem, 19 state legislators is a smaller number than the 20 state legislators that formed Arkansans for Rick Perry encouraging him to jump in the race back during the summer.  Missing from the list is State Rep. Jane English.  I asked English about this at the Republican Party Governor’s Dinner last week and she declined to comment, but did say my observation that her name was absent was correct.  I am also told by reliable sources that a couple of other names on the list are fairly soft at this point as well.

This is just another strike against Perry with his weak performance in the last couple debates.