Politics

Lawmaker who endorsed Romney now behind draft-Perry movement

Alex Pappas Political Reporter
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A California lawmaker who endorsed Mitt Romney for president has now signed a letter asking Texas Gov. Rick Perry to get in the 2012 race.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Assemblyman Paul Cook, a Yucaipa Republican, joined more than 20 people in signing the letter. The paper added that “more potential Romney defectors may sign the letter in coming days, according to a GOP source familiar with the meeting.” (GOP candidates’ fundraising starts slowly)

Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, is viewed by many as the closest thing to the front-runner in the crowded race.

Perry has played coy over the last year about a potential candidacy, but has signaled in recent weeks that he’s thinking hard about a run. Political observers say Perry would shake up the race, where the other candidates are fighting to become the Romney alternative.

“Now, more than ever, our nation needs serious, experienced and principled leadership to create jobs, control spending and rebuild the economy,” the letter reads, according to the report. “We believe Gov. Perry that you embody these attributes, and we urge you to become a candidate for the Republican nomination for the office of president of the United States.”