Rick Perry to Take Part in Tampa Debate on Sept. 12

On Thursday, Gov. Rick Perry of Texas -- who is leading the field of Republican presidential candidates in three national polls released this week -- announced that he would be heading to Tampa for the CNN/Tampa Tea Party Express Debate which will be held on Sept. 12.

"The tea party plays an important role in advancing principles of fiscal responsibility and conservative governance across our nation through its efforts to recruit and elect leaders that will fight to instill these values in the halls of government at all levels throughout our nation," said Perry. "I look forward to the opportunity this debate presents to discuss my record of conservative leadership and to share my vision with the great people of this country about how we will get America working again."