Charleston, SC (CNN) – One of Rick Perry's most well-known supporters in South Carolina, former U.S. ambassador and state speaker of the house David Wilkins, will now back Mitt Romney, he tells CNN.
Perry has endorsed Newt Gingrich but Wilkins' decision illustrates that his key allies in the Palmetto State are not necessarily following suit.
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Wilkins said he is thinking about November.
"I think (Romney) is by far our best chance to take back the White House," Wilkins told CNN, "With the economy like it is we need somebody with business experience. I think he can do more for America than anyone else."
The Greenville Republican served as speaker of the house for 11 years, one of the longest tenures in state history. In 2000, his work as co-chairman of the George W. Bush campaign was seen as instrumental to putting that Texas leader on the map in South Carolina.
As president, Bush appointed Wilkins to serve as ambassador to Canada. At the time he and his wife, Susan, met the Romneys and Wilkins said they left with very positive impressions.
Wilkins endorsed Perry in August, just days after the Texan announced his candidacy. But in the past few weeks the South Carolina leader publicly said he was uncomfortable with Perry's attacks on Mitt Romney's business career with Bain Capital.
Wilkins, now with team Romney, says that business experience is one of the candidate's best assets.
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Where's mr demented, the tea bagger king? I see that he has not endorsed anyone and probably won't. I think his tea baggers have enough problems as it is staying afloat.
"Wilkins, now with team Romney, says that business experience is one of the candidate's best assets."
Business experience? Don't they celebrate Christmas in SC? Haven't they ever heard of Ebenezer Scrooge? Scrooge doesn't make a good mayor, and he would be an even worse President.
Backfiring on ol' Newt huh???!!!
The new republican bumper stickers will include, "Corporations Are People, Too," "Off Shore Is Not Just For Drilling," "15% Is Too High For the 1%," and "Money Is Better Than a Job."
"As president, Bush appointed Wilkins to serve as ambassador to Canada. At the time he and his wife, Susan, met the Romneys and Wilkins said they left with very positive impressions.
Wilkins endorsed Perry in August, just days after the Texan announced his candidacy....."
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If he was so impressed with Romney, then why did he jump on board with Perry so quickly?
@Wire Palladin, S. F.
The new republican bumper stickers will include, "Corporations Are People, Too," "Off Shore Is Not Just For Drilling," "15% Is Too High For the 1%," and "Money Is Better Than a Job."
I like the sticker, " Mitts 5 Sons Avoided Military service " The 1% make money on wars , the middle class people pay for them.
Good. Go Mitt! I can't believe how fast people can forget what an awful person Newt is, just because he performs well at debates. There is no way Newt could beat Obama with his baggage. Wake up, Republicans–it's Mitt Romney 2012!
His endorsements another example , Almost 90% G,W.Bush staffs support Mitt Romney
Willard is someone who stands for nothing,but somehow stands for every issue.He is the most disgusting politician.He is a wimp.
The dumb figure head has some dumber supporters. Not rocket science here, folks.
Those that were to be the darlings of the tea people are slowing falling down. Bachmann and Perry are gone. This is because the anti-Washington stance isn't sustainable. Work needs to be done from inside mostly. If those that were elected to do the people's work and can't be flexible enough to understand what the greater good is for the country rather than their partisan political ideas, then they will fail.
Go Newt! I can't believe how fast people can forget what an awful person Mitt is,