Former Sec. of Education and Conservative Radio Host Bill Bennett Endorses Gov. Perry for Re-election

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today received the endorsement of former Sec. of Education and conservative talk show host Bill Bennett for re-election in 2010.

“Rick Perry's leadership is one of the main reasons we have something called the 'Texas Story,'” Bill Bennett said. “It's a story of economic success, opportunity, medical and health care innovation, and legal reform. It's a story that ought to be told in all 50 states. I'm proud to endorse Rick Perry as he prepares to write the sequel.”

Bill Bennett is host of the Morning in America radio show and the Washington Fellow of the Claremont Institute. He served as U.S. Secretary of Education under Reagan from 1985 to 1988 and as director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy under George H. W. Bush.

“Bill’s influence and leadership on the national stage has been crucial in the effort to promote conservative values across our nation and hold conservative leaders accountable to upholding these values through their actions,” said Gov. Perry. “His support is evidence of the national recognition Texas has achieved for its fiscally conservative approach to success by maintaining low taxes, limited government and regulations that free individuals to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”

Bennett joins the Texas Municipal Police Association, Texas Chemical Council, Texas Society of Professional Engineers, RNC Committeewoman Cathie Adams, Texas Right to Life, Houston Realty Business Coalition, Texas Apartment Association, Texas Republican County Chairman Association President Linda Rogers, Heidi Group Founder Carol Everett, Texas Alliance for Life, Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association PAC, Texas Home School Coalition PAC, Texans for Life Coalition President Kyleen Wright, Conservative Republicans of Texas President Dr. Steve Hotze, Free Market Foundation President Kelly Shackelford, Texas Chiropractic Association, Americans for Prosperity* State Director Peggy Venable, the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters, Texas Association of Realtors, Texas Civil Justice League PAC, Texas Oil Gas Association President Rob Looney, Concerned Women for America State Director Ann Hettinger, Texas Optometric Association PAC, Texas Pest Control Association, energy entrepreneur T. Boone Pickens, Texas Recreational Vehicle Association, Texas Poultry Federation, Justice at the Gate Founder Alice Patterson, Texas Cattle Feeders Beef-PAC, Eagle Forum Founder Phyllis Schlafly, Texas Pharmacy Business Council, Texas Podiatric Medical Association and Texas Association for Interior Design and former Texas Republican Party Chairman Susan Weddington in their endorsement of Gov. Perry.

*Organization listed for identification purposes only, Americans for Prosperity itself does not endorse candidates.