2012 US presidential polls: Bobby Jindal backs Rick Perry

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is backing Rick Perry for president, a major endorsement for the Texas governor as the campaign for the Republican nomination enters the crucial fall stretch of the primary calendar, CNN reported.

Jindal, the first Indian American governor in the US, was on his way to Florida as a guest of Perry at Monday night's 'Tea Party Republican Debate' in Tampa.

Jindal is a rising star in the Republican Party, especially for the right wing. His name is often mentioned as a potential candidate for vice president. There is no indication, if the endorsement has any such implication.

"Rick Perry is the candidate who can lead our party to victory in 2012," Jindal said in a statement issued by Perry's campaign. Jindal's endorsement for Perry came on a day when the latter's main rival Mitt Romney bagged the endorsement of Tim Pawlenty, a former presidential aspirant and a Republican heavyweight.

"I truly appreciate governor Jindal's endorsement because he is a leader who knows what it takes to rebuild an economy and restore people's confidence," Perry said.

"His efforts to cut taxes and reduce unreasonable regulations are helping the Louisiana economy grow, and that is exactly what I aim to do for America. I look forward to continuing to work with him throughout this campaign, and with his help, we'll get America working again," Perry said.

Regarded as one of the most popular incumbent Governors in the United States, Jindal is credited with reviving Louisiana's economy and cutting unemployment at a time of recessionary pressures. "We understand President Obama cannot get another four years to continue skyrocketing the debt, downgrading our national credit rating, and killing jobs," Jindal wrote in an email sent to his nationwide fan base.

"His (Perry's) record on job creation simply cannot be beat, and the one million jobs he's helped create as governor is a stark contrast to the 2.4 million jobs lost on President Obama's watch.

"President Obama promised hope, but he simply hasn't delivered. Rick Perry will bring our country more than hope -he'll get America working again," Jindal said.

Attacking the Obama administration for what he believes are faulty policies, Jindal said Washington was overstepping its authority. "Whether it's the current administration's one-size-fits-all government takeover of our healthcare system, cap-and-tax legislation that would decimate jobs or overbearing regulations that hurt small businesses and job creators, Washington is overstepping its authority," he wrote.

With inputs from PTI