Rick Santorum Gets the Backing of Scott Plakon

Florida state Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, announced on Thursday he is backing former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania for the Republican presidential nomination. Plakon, who represents parts of Orange and Seminole counties, was an early supporter of businessman Herman Cain earlier in the race.

"Rick Santorum is a man who has consistently shown that he can be trusted to stand by his deeply held conservative principles, regardless of the way the political winds blow, and will be a steady, even hand in leading America toward prosperity and liberty again, Plakon said in a statement. He has consistently shown that he is willing to make decisions, not for the next election cycle, but for the next generation. That is exactly the kind of leader and values we need to confront the failed policies and leadership of the Obama administration and to return America to the shining city on a hill that President Reagan spoke of."

"I am truly honored to receive Scott's endorsement today, Santorum said. Scott has been a stalwart defender of conservative principles in Tallahassee and a leader in the fight against health-care mandates. His endorsement today is a great lift to our campaign in the days leading up to the Florida primary and I am looking forward to working with Scott as we continue to build upon our Iowa caucus victory."