Governor Rick Perry (R-Texas) – chairman of the Republican Governors Association – welcomed Tea Party favorite Rep. Mike Pence on his decision to enter the Indiana Governor’s race:
 

“Congressman Pence’s decision to run for governor guarantees that Republicans will field a top-tier candidate for Indiana governor in 2012 and is a major blow to Democrats’ hopes of regaining the governor’s mansion. Rep. Pence’s consistent conservatism has earned him admiration nationally as well as at home in Indiana, and his reputation as a bold thinker would serve him well as governor.  The RGA welcomes Mike Pence to the governor’s race.”