Perry calling big name Republicans in New Hampshire

(New Hampshire Journal) - Texas Gov. Rick Perry may be edging closer to entering the race to win the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.

Multiple Republican sources tell NH Journal that Perry is calling top-shelf Republican leaders in the Granite State. One Republican state Senator who received a call from the Governor confirmed that he has been discussing his entry into the presidential sweepstakes with leading state Republicans for the past few days.

Another Republican who spoke to Gov. Perry told NH Journal it sure sounds like he’s planning to run.

Should he decide to run, Perry is viewed as a serious competitor who could shake up the race. Perry is a fiscal and social conservative with tea party ties and a strong fundraising base.