Nevada governor endorses Rick Perry

Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval on Tuesday endorsed Texas Governor Rick Perry for president.

"Our nation needs a leader in the White House who understands the role of government and our economy," Sandoval said in a statement posted on Perry's campaign website. "Governor Rick Perry has the strongest record of job creation, fiscal discipline, and executive branch leadership among the presidential candidates. As a governor, Rick Perry created a tremendous blueprint for job creation and as President, I know he will get America working again. I consider Governor Perry a friend and I am proud to endorse his campaign for President."

Politico called the development a "major get" for Perry because Sandoval is a popular Western governor, and his endorsement gives Perry a boost in an early caucus state. In 2008, ABC News reports, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney won Nevada during the Republican primaries with more than half the vote, "due in large part to a significant turnout by Mormons at the polls."

Sandoval is the second governor to endorse Perry in as many days. On Monday, Perry picked up the endorsement of Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal.

“Rick Perry is the candidate who can lead our party to victory in 2012,” Jindal said in a statement. “His 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.”

Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, who dropped his own presidential bid last month, endorsed Romney on Monday. The New York Times reported that Pawlenty's contributors and supporters were waiting for him to signal his preference in the evolving battle between Romney and Perry at the front of the Republican presidential field.

In a debate Monday night, Romney and Perry again clashed over Social Security.