Rick Perry Goes to Bat for Rick Scott

After giving the State of the State address on Tuesday, Gov. Rick Scott won the praise of an old political ally: Gov. Rick Perry, R-Texas. Scott and Perry have often engaged in friendly competition to see whether Texas or Florida could generate more new jobs.

"Gov. Rick Scott is a strong competitor with a vision for how to create jobs and opportunity for Floridians, a vision that has helped boost the Sunshine State's economy in his time as governor, Perry said. Our nation needs more leaders like Rick Scott, who understand the value of freedom, innovation and competition in the states.

"States are laboratories of innovation, and Gov. Scott has kept a laser focus on making Florida a strong competitor for jobs and investment, Perry added. As our nation continues to struggle economically, states like Florida will continue to create opportunity for their citizens thanks to principled leaders like Gov. Scott."

Perry ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012 and has left the door open to running again in 2016. Last week, Perry visited Iowa, home of the first presidential caucus, creating more chatter that he could seek the presidency again.