IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Texas Gov. Perry jumps into 2012 Republican race

Texas Gov. Rick Perry has jumped into the 2012 Republican race for president.
Rick Perry for President buttons are already appearing at the Republicans summer dinner where the Texas Governor is speaking in Birmingham, Ala.  The Texas governor is planning to enter the race for 2012 GOP presidential nomination Saturday with appearances in South Carolina and New Hampshire. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Rick Perry for President buttons are already appearing at the Republicans summer dinner where the Texas Governor is speaking in Birmingham, Ala.  The Texas governor is planning to enter the race for 2012 GOP presidential nomination Saturday with appearances in South Carolina and New Hampshire. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)Butch Dill / AP
/ Source: The Associated Press
By BETH FOUHY, JIM DAVENPORT

Texas Gov. Rick Perry has jumped into the 2012 Republican race for president.

He told South Carolina voters in a conference call Saturday that he wants to win his party's nomination and take on President Barack Obama.

Perry said that "I full well believe I'm going to win."

Word of his entry into the race came about an hour before a planned speech in Charleston, S.C., where he was kicking off his campaign.

During the call with supporters, Perry criticized Obama on foreign policy and said he would do a better creating jobs. Perry said he would go to Washington to do his duty and not make friends.

BETH FOUHY, JIM DAVENPORT