Contact: Bob Sturm, 703-396-6974; Ryan Rogge, 703-396-6971; After 6 PM Eastern & on weekends, Bob Sturm, 703-307-8176; Ryan Rogge, 703-674-6948
MANASSAS, Va., Jan. 19, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is a statement from Richard A. Viguerie, Chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, regarding the withdrawal of Governor Rick Perry from the race for the Republican presidential nomination:
"Senator Rick Santorum is the more natural fit for the values voters that are Rick Perry's core supporters now that Governor Perry has suspended his campaign. I urge Rick Perry's supporters to join me and the many other small-government conservatives who are supporting Rick Santorum.
"Rick Perry's decision to suspend his campaign for President is the right thing to do and his decision shows something rare in politicians today -- a patriotic and honorable commitment to rebuilding America that transcends ego and personal ambition.
"Rick Santorum is only reliable conservative left in the race. Whatever others may say, no other candidate can be counted on to populate his administration with conservatives the way Santorum can be. No other candidate can be depended upon to govern as a conservative the way Santorum can be.
"Rick Santorum has been steadily rising in the polls. Rick Perry's departure from the campaign will help Santorum lock-up the social conservative vote and add fuel to his South Carolina and Florida campaigns."
NOTE TO EDITORS: Richard A. Viguerie pioneered political direct mail and has been called "one of the creators of the modern conservative movement" (The Nation) and one of the "conservatives of the century" (Washington Times). He is the author of Conservatives Betrayed: How George W. Bush and Other Big Government Republicans Hijacked the Conservative Cause.
