Gary Kirke, a West Des Moines businessman who met privately with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie this summer to urge Christie to run for president, has now endorsed Texas Governor Rick Perry. (Kirke is a former insurance company executive who is now a gambling entrepreneur, operating “Wild Rose” casinos in Emmetsburg and Clinton.)
Here’s the statement Kirke issued this afternoon:
Several months ago I, along with a group of other Iowa Republicans, formed Team Christie, a concerted effort to recruit Gov. Chris Christie into the 2012 presidential race. While Gov. Christie graciously considered our call-to-action, he officially announced today that he will not be a candidate in 2012.
I deeply respect the governor’s decision and wish him well. But, we still have a race to win. After thoughtfully considering the capabilities and attributes of the fine individuals who are running for the Republican Presidential Nomination, I have decided to put my shoulder behind Texas Governor Rick Perry. I believe Gov. Perry offers the skills, ideas and conviction we need to be victorious in November.
About O.Kay Henderson
Kay is a founding member of the Radio Iowa network newsroom. In 1994, she became the network’s news director. She’s a featured reporter and commentator on Iowa Public Television’s “Iowa Press,” and the 2002 recipient of the Shelley Award.
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