Will Perry Play in Swing States?

Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry has leapt to the top of GOP polls with a strong conservative agenda, passing above former front-runner Mitt Romney. But some Republicans question whether the Texas governor will be able to win over the independent voters in swing states needed to defeat President Barack Obama, Politico reports.

Florida state Sen. Mike Fasano, who hasn’t endorsed a candidate, says Romney represents a less risky choice. “He’s someone the independents can turn to — maybe your conservative Democrats, definitely moderate Republicans,” Fasano told the news service. “He has a broader appeal beyond just the right wing of the Republican Party.”

But Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, who also hasn’t officially backed a candidate, defends Perry. “If he’s a guy with the right ideas, people are not going to hold it against him because he sounds like he’s from Texas,” McDonnell said.