Dueling endorsements in New Hampshire primary

By Shira Schoenberg , Globe Correspondent

How many state representatives is a sheriff worth? Does a state senator balance out three state reps? Texas Governor Rick Perry seems determined to get into an endorsement war with his Republican rival for the presidential nomination, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, in New Hampshire.

The Perry campaign today rolled out 27 endorsements from New Hampshire state representatives. The Romney campaign last week rolled out nine state representatives.

“These 27 New Hampshire legislative endorsements triple the number of legislative endorsements announced by former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney last week, and he’s been running for president continually for four years,” Perry campaign manager Rob Johnson said in announcing the endorsements.

True. But Romney has also been endorsed by four New Hampshire state senators, two executive councilors and two sheriffs. And, according to a campaign aide, other legislators are supporting Romney but the campaign has not officially announced them yet.

Perry got Deputy House Speaker Pamela Tucker, Majority Whip Pete Silva, and House Finance Committee Chairman Ken Weyler. Romney got House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Morse and Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley.

Perry’s endorsements are significant. They point to the fact that even early in his campaign, he has quickly impressed state leaders as a serious candidate. He has also picked up support from former US Senator Gordon Humphrey; former US Congressman Chuck Douglas; and 2010 GOP gubernatorial nominee John Stephen.

If you’re keeping score, don’t forget Texas Congressman Ron Paul, who has 11 state representatives – including Jenn Coffey, a gun-rights advocate, and House Republican Alliance founder Paul Mirski – and a state senator. And Paul’s campaign also says it has endorsements that aren’t yet public.

Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman has six representatives and two former senators. Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, who hasn’t focused on New Hampshire, hasn’t announced any.

Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum today announced the support of two representatives and a sheriff, adding to the four representatives he had previously announced.

Perry’s staff says the endorsements point to the resonance of his jobs-focused message. “Governor Perry’s record creating the nation’s best pro-jobs environment and commitment to get America working again is earning strong support from New Hampshire Republican leaders,” Johnson said.