LA Gov Bobby Jindal to endorse Rick Perry

Tampa, Florida (CNN) – Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is backing Rick Perry for president, a major endorsement for the Texas governor as the campaign for the Republican nomination enters the crucial fall stretch of the primary calendar, a source tells CNN.

Jindal is on his way to Florida and will be Perry's guest at Monday night's "Tea Party Republican Debate" broadcast on CNN from Tampa, the source said. Jindal is expected to formally make the announcement prior to the debate.

On Monday, Sept. 12th, CNN will broadcast the "Tea Party Republican Debate," live from Tampa, Florida at 8 p.m. ET. Follow all the issues and campaign news leading up to the debate on CNNPolitics.com and @cnnpolitics on Twitter.

Earlier in the day, Tim Pawlenty endorsed his one-time rival, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, for the GOP nomination. Pawlenty, a former Minnesota governor who dropped out of the race last month, will be Romney's guest at the debate.