Rick Perry's 2010 McInnis Gubernatorial Endorsement Reemerges Amid Strong Polling

Texas Governor Rick Perry only announced his candidacy for U.S. President this past weekend, but his presence is already making waves. A Public Policy Poll recently found the candidate tied for the lead among Colorado's Republican voters.

The Poll found Romney and Perry tied at 20%, Bachmann at 12%, Palin at 11%, and Paul at 8%. Sarah Palin has not entered the race, but was included in the poll. The Colorado Independent speculates an increase in the state's registered independent voters may decrease the electability of candidates who drive the primary too far right and become unelectable in the general election.

In 2010, Perry endorsed Scott McInnis, the former Colorado congressman, in his bid for governor. KDVR reported at the time that Perry would bolster McInnis' Tea Party credentials, a perceived weak spot in the McInnis campaign.

Perry states in his endorsement,

As important as his ideas and vision are for Colorado, even more important is the character of the man. I've seen firsthand that Scott McInnis is a man who looks you in the eye, and gives you the straight facts.

The Denver Post notes that McInnis proceeded to lose the GOP nomination following a plagiarism scandal in which McInnis blamed his research assistant.