Arkansas Perry Backers Weigh In Following His Exit
by January 19, 2012 12:24 pm 65 views
Since last summer, Rick Perry has enjoyed support from many Arkansans, including quite a few state legislators who pushed for him to enter the race. Now with his exit today and endorsement of Newt Gingrich, where will their support go?
Rep. David Sanders has been an outspoken “Arkansans for Perry” supporter and has even traveled to Austin several times to meet with the Texas governor. He tells me he does not plan to make an endorsement, at least any time soon.
“Primaries are an important part of the process. Voters ultimately make the decision,” said Sanders. “I believe Republicans will nominate the best candidate to champion our conservative principles and defeat President Obama.”
Rep. Nate Bell was another supporter who even traveled with his family to Iowa to campaign and speak on his behalf of Perry during the caucus.
“I supported the only candidate I believe could beat Obama. I will vote for the nominee,” said Bell. Although not an endorsement, he did predict that the nominee ultimately will be Newt Gingrich.
“Newt is my first choice, Perry right behind him. The Governor just got off to a rough start. I respect him and proud he supported who he thought was the best man to win Pres Nomination,” wrote Rep. Linda Collins-Smith, who joined the Republican Party last year.
Former Perry supporter Rep. Justin Harris actually dropped his support for Perry last month and is now heading up the effort for Newt Gingrich in Arkansas. “Love waking up to Gingrich being ahead in SC and Santorum winning Iowa by a landslide (34) votes! Go Newt,” tweeted Harris this morning.
And all this could matter. If Gingrich pulls off a win in South Carolina, the primary could stay alive long enough to not be settled by the time its reaches Arkansas on May 22. I explained how in this blog post last week.
Meanwhile, Congressman Steve Womack joins Congressman Tim Griffin and Lieutenant Governor Mark Darr in endorsing Mitt Romney for President.
“I am supporting Governor Romney because I believe he has the background and experience critical to the future of our nation,” said Congressman Womack. “Mitt Romney’s fiscal record as Governor and private sector experience is exactly what we need in the White House. He knows how to create jobs, balance the budget, and above all, lead!”