Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval endorsed Texas Gov. Rick Perry yesterday, saying in a statement that "our nation needs a leader in the White House who understands the role of government and our economy," and that "Perry has the strongest record of job creation, fiscal discipline, and executive branch leadership among the presidential candidates."
"As a governor, Rick Perry created a tremendous blueprint for job creation and as President, I know he will get America working again," Sandoval said. "I consider Governor Perry a friend and I am proud to endorse his campaign for President."
The endorsement adds to Perry's impressive roster of local and state leaders who have endorsed him in recent weeks.
On Monday, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal endorsed.
Sandoval's endorsement will allow Perry to compete more vigorously Nevada, which is one of four states, along with Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, that will be able to have the first four sanctioned 2012 nominating contests.
Nevada will also be crucial because Perry could potentially deliver a fatal blow to Romney's candidacy if Perry could somehow pull off the upset since Romney is favored to win the state overwhelmingly.
Also of importance is that these endorsement by establishment figures show the considerable strength that Perry still has among the GOP establishment, mainly due to friendships he formed while he was at the helm of the influential Republican Governors Association.
Such connections have allowed Perry to hit the ground running and will allow him to build a ground game in an attempt to solidify the leads that he has in many state and national polls.
