Perry endorses Newt, as Newt surges in SC polls

Full speech by Rick Perry withdrawing from the race and endorsing Newt.

If you want just the section endorsing Newt, it’s here, but I recommend listening to the whole speech, it’s worth it.

The Perry endorsement is huge not because Perry had a large percentage (although even a few percent helps), but because of his words about Newt’s conservatism, the need not just to replace Obama but to replace him with a conservative visionary, and redemption and everyone being imperfect.  That last point is particularly important in light of the ABC News interview and Drudge headlines about Newt’s ex-wife.

Polling in the past two days confirms that Newt is surging in South Carolina:

PPP – “1st night of our South Carolina polling: Gingrich 34, Romney 28, Paul 15, Santorum 14, Perry 5.”

Rasmussen – Gingrich 33, Romney 31, Paul 15, Santorum 11, Perry 2.

NBC Marist – Romney up 5 in post-debate polling.

Tags: 2012 Republican Primaries, Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry

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