Louisiana's Jindal to Endorse Rick Perry: Report

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is giving his coveted presidential race endorsement to Rick Perry, the Texas governor who is a front-runner in the race for the Republican party's presidential nomination, according to a report.

CNN, quoting an unnamed source Monday, said Jindal is traveling to Florida and will be Perry's guest tonight at the Tea Party Republican Debate, to be broadcast live from Tampa at 8 p.m. EDT by the cable network. Jindal is expected to formally announce his endorsement of Perry before the debate.

Jindal's endorsement is considered major for Perry's campaign, as the nomination race enters a stretch considered crucial for candidate positioning.

Earlier Monday, Tim Pawlenty, a former Republican presidential candidate, said he will endorse former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for the GOP nomination. Pawlenty, a former Minnesota governor, dropped out of the race last month. He will be Romney's guest at the debate.

Jindal, a Republican, has been viewed as a key endorsement in the GOP presidential race. The first Indian-American governor in history, Jindal enjoys a high popularity rating in Louisiana and has even received financial support from some top Democrats in his state. Jindal also reportedly entertains thoughts of seeking the White House himself someday.

Jindal is known for his intellect and no-nonsense, hands-on approach to Louisiana's fiscal problems.