Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is throwing his support to Texas Governor Rick Perry for president, he announced on Monday. In a Monday night statement announcing the endorsement, Jindal praised Perry for his record on job creation -- which he presented as a "stark contrast" from President Obama's achievements in that area.
"Rick Perry is the candidate who can lead our party to victory in 2012," Jindal said in the statement. "His record on job creation simply cannot be beat, and the one million jobs he's helped create as governor is a stark contrast to the 2.4 million jobs lost on President Obama's watch."
He added: "President Obama promised hope, but he simply hasn't delivered. Rick Perry will bring our country more than hope - he'll get America working again."
Perry, who will participate in the CNN/Tea Party debate in Tampa, Florida, Florida Monday night, expressed his appreciation for the endorsement in a statement.
"I truly appreciate Gov. Jindal's endorsement because he is a leader who knows what it takes to rebuild an economy and restore people's confidence," Perry said. "His efforts to cut taxes and reduce unreasonable regulations are helping the Louisiana economy grow, and that is exactly what I aim to do for America. I look forward to continuing to work with him throughout this campaign, and with his help, we'll get America working again."
According to CNN, Jindal will be Perry's guest at the Monday debate.
Word of the endorsement comes just hours after former GOP candidate Tim Pawlenty announced his support for former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, the candidate widely perceived as Perry's main rival for the GOP nomination.