CHARLESTON, SC – During his highly anticipated Presidential campaign announcement speech at the RedState Gathering in South Carolina on Saturday, Governor Rick Perry acknowledged State Representative Charles Schwertner (R – Georgetown) for his conservative leadership in the Texas House of Representatives.

“Dr. Schwertner, we have led Texas based on some just really pretty simple guiding principles,” said Perry. “One is don’t spend all of the money. Two is keeping the taxes low and under control. Three is you have your regulatory climate fair and predictable. Four is reform the legal system so frivolous lawsuits don’t paralyze employers that are trying to create jobs.”

Rep. Schwertner made plans to attend the RedState Gathering earlier in the week when it was revealed that Governor Perry would be announcing his Presidential campaign. The recognition by Perry was unexpected.

"It’s a great honor to be mentioned by Governor Perry in a historical speech of such importance to the future of our nation," said Schwertner. "Governor Perry and I share many of the same conservative values and aspirations for our country and state’s future: we both believe in limited government, we both want taxes which are low and fair, we both want a predictable regulatory environment that allows for job creation, and we both believe in reforming our legal system to stop frivolous lawsuits. I'm proud to support Governor Perry as he seeks the highest office in the land, and I look forward to doing everything I can to help him get America working again."

Rep. Charles Schwertner is a State Representative from House District 20, which represents northern and western Williamson County and Milam County. Schwertner is a member of the House Committee on Public Health and the powerful House Committee on Appropriations, which earlier this year authored a balanced state budget without raising taxes while prioritizing spending towards essential state services. Rep. Schwertner was also a co-author of “loser pays” lawsuit reform legislation touted by Governor Perry in his announcement speech. He was also the first joint author of eminent domain reform legislation that strengthens private property owner rights in Texas.

Rep. Schwertner is a practicing orthopedic surgeon and the managing partner of Georgetown Orthopedics. He and his wife Belinda, a local OB/GYN, live in Georgetown with their three young boys, Carson, Zachary, and Matthew.

To read the full transcript of Gov. Perry’s announcement speech, visit: http://www.rickperry.org/news/text-gov-rick-perry-presidential-announcement-remarks/ (END).