With Perry Exit, GOP Hopefuls Pursue Ramsey Endorsement

Tennessee Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey lost his candidate for the GOP presidential
Bid Thursday when Texas Governor Rick Perry dropped out of the race. So, suddenly, Ramsey’s phone is ringing as the remaining candidates seek his backing.

Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey jumped on board the Perry campaign early, crediting the Texas governor with a great record of job creation. Ramsey was Perry’s Tennessee chairman. Now Ramsey’s being courted by the candidates left in the race.

“I’ve had, obviously, the Gingrich people have called me, and the Romney people have called me, but I guess, I’ve told both of them. There’s kind of a grieving period you have to go through, and get back to me the first of the week.”

Ramsey was about to open a state Senate session when Perry phoned and said that like that great Texan Sam Houston, Perry was making a “strategic retreat.” Ramsey said he told Perry – Houston was a Tennessean.

Ramsey said Perry more closely matched his own conservative values, and he said he may not endorse any of the remaining candidates.