COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina House Speaker Bobby Harrell said Thursday that he is endorsing former House Speaker Newt Gingrich in the state's Republican primary.
"Cathy and I make these decisions together. We believe Newt Gingrich is the right choice for South Carolina, and for the United States," Harrell said in a statement the Gingrich campaign released. "His commitment to the conservative principles of lower taxes, smaller government, and economic development are key to restoring America to greatness.
"Speaker Gingrich is the only candidate with proven leadership experience, which is what we need to effect real change in Washington."
Harrell was elected to the South Carolina House in 1992, and was elected speaker of the House in 2005. He owns an insurance business in Charleston, where he lives with his wife, Cathy, and two children.
Gingrich said he was humbled to receive Harrell's endorsement.
"Speaker Harrell has provided exemplary leadership in South Carolina, and we are honored by his and Cathy's endorsement. We look forward to working together to improve the infrastructure of South Carolina and putting South Carolinians back to work."
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