Unexpected NH Support Presses Perry Run, Aide Says

A top adviser to Texas Gov. Rick Perry says New Hampshire support for the governor’s potential presidential run was unexpected — especially since Perry has yet to visit the Granite State — and a decision will be made in the next several weeks, according to a UnionLeader.com blog.

“The amount of organic calls of support from New Hampshire has been surprising since Governor Perry has yet to visit,” David Carney told Granite Status, the Manchester newspaper’s website blog. “But we’re still in the data collection stage. In the coming weeks, we will present this information to the governor and he’ll make his decision.”

Meanwhile, organizers for Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, who made her first visit to New Hampshire as an announced candidate Tuesday, said her campaign in the state is taking off. Organizers expected about 150 people at a backyard chat, but the crowd swelled to more than 200, the Granite Status said. In addition, organizers collected about 180 volunteer cards.

The Bachmann New Hampshire campaign also is forming a steering committee, according to adviser Jeff Chidester.