Texas Rep. Barton: I Back Gingrich for Prez

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has received his first public endorsement from a member of Congress, less than 24 hours after he announced his candidacy. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, expressed his support on C-SPAN, The Hill reports.

Barton is in his 14th term, serving alongside Gingrich, and formerly was chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

“I think he’d be a great president,” Barton said of Gingrich. “I have talked to him already and promised to help in his campaign and endorse him, if he thinks it helps his campaign . . . He’s battle-tested. He’s had the third most powerful office, and some could say the second most powerful office, in America, as the Speaker of the House. So he knows the issues.”