Rick Perry Reels in the Backing of Another Prominent Florida Republican

Add another name to the list of prominent Florida Republicans backing the presidential bid of Gov. Rick Perry of Texas -- Van Poole.

Poole led the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) 1989 to 1993 and served in the state Senate as minority leader and leader pro tempore. He currently works for Dutko Poole McKinley in Tallahassee.

Governor Perry is the real deal, and having an honest, principled conversation with the American people, said Poole in a statement released by the Perry campaign late on Wednesday. Floridians and all Americans appreciate his genuine, straightforward approach. I wholeheartedly support Governor Perry and look forward to being part of his Sunshine State army.

I am honored to have Vans support and look forward to his partnership in our effort to get America working again, said Perry. His leadership in both the Florida State Senate and as chairman of the state Republican Party was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the emergence of Republican takeovers in the Florida Legislature and executive branch, and will be a tremendous asset to this campaign.

Poole had backed one of Perrys current rivals -- former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts -- during the 2008 election cycle.