Barton is First Texas Congressman to Endorse Perry

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, the dean of the Texas congressional contingent, has become the first in the delegation to endorse former Gov. Rick Perry's presidential bid.

The nod from an old Perry college classmate, announced Friday, made clear what most political operatives suspected this presidential campaign: The Texas GOP delegation, a fearsome and united voting bloc in the House, would split its endorsements in the presidential campaign. 

"During Gov. Perry's leadership, Texas set the national standard for economic growth and opportunity,” the Ennis-based Barton said in a statement. “The governor has a track record of proven executive leadership during challenging times, and that's the kind of experience we need in the White House.”  

"I have known Rick Perry since we were classmates at Texas A&M University, and he has always been a man of character. Americans deserve the kind of principled leadership he would bring to Washington."

The Barton nod is not a total surprise. He was on the host committee for a Perry fundraiser in March in Fort Worth, and Barton’s leadership PAC gave Perry $1,000 this past quarter.  

In May, Perry’s fellow Texan in the GOP nomination race, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, announced four congressional endorsements, from U.S. Reps. Michael Burgess, R-Lewisville; John Culberson, R-Houston; Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler; and John Ratcliffe, R-Heath.