Two endorsements for Newt, one in Iowa and one in Georgia

Yesterday, Iowa State Reprensative Joshua Byrnes (you can follow him on Twitter here) endorsed Newt.

Today, a staunch Rick Perry supporter in Georgia -- the Atlanta Journal-Constitution said he may have been Perry's "most ardent supporter" in Georgia -- endorsed Newt. John Douglas, who was a state senator, wrote on Facebook:

“After very careful consideration and lengthy discussions with many key supporters, I am leaving the Perry camp, effective immediately. I no longer see a path to victory for him and have had great difficulties dealing with his staff.

“I still like many of his policies and would have no problem voting for him if he is our nominee. Now I am endorsing Newt Gingrich for President and will spend time in the near future explaining that move. Suffice it to say tonight that Newt champions the culture war I believe in fighting and he is a brilliant, very well-spoken man. I am pleased to endorse him for President.”

Iowa State Rep. Joshua Byrnes gives his take on last night's debate

Byrnes opens with:

Wow, where does one even begin to comment following this debate. I think it's obvious that Gov. Perry is in survival mode as he now appears to be more on the offense than defense.

Regarding Newt, he writes:

I think the biggest "elephant" in the room not being talked about is Newt's performance. I read some articles this morning about last night's debate that don't even mention Newt's name.

In so many of these debates the former Speaker has been the clear winner based on debate, policy, and, political experience. I also like the fact that he stays above the attacks of the other GOP candidates and stays on message.

I seriously think we need to step back and analyze this situation. You have a candidate with experience on a federal level, has experience with foreign policy, worked in a bi-partisan manner with President Clinton to balance a budget and reform welfare, has served as consultant on many national security issues, and drafted many sound reform policies and we don't put him at the top of the list of candidates?

What is it that is holding the Gingrich campaign back? Media? Money? Is this an example of what is wrong with American politics in that the he/she with the most money wins? As a Republican I have not endorsed a candidate but given the tailspin this country is in it may be time to elect a person with some experience and end this on-the-job training method we have used for the most important political position in the United States.

More from Newt's weekend in Iowa

From NBC's Alex Moe:

Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich made three appearances in Northeast Iowa on Saturday — a pancake breakfast, a parade, and a county fair — two of them tied to this town’s 45th Nordic Fest.

The festival celebrates the area’s Norwegian heritage, and it has been taking place there since 1967. Gingrich began his day eating pancakes and sausage at the Decorah Fire Department. He made his way around to every table in the two-room truck hall, shaking hands and asking for support in next year’s caucuses.

The former House speaker then made his way to the Annual Nordic Fest Grand Parade a couple blocks from the local fire station. Gingrich and his wife Callista (who is in town to play the French horn in her Luther College band reunion Sunday) rode on a float with hay pulled by a big red tractor. The banners on the sides read, “The Winneshiek Country GOP welcomes Newt Gingrich.” Amid other floats with Vikings, Wizard of Oz dancers, and clowns, the Gingriches threw candy and waved along the parade route.

After the parade ended, Gingrich commented on the ongoing debt crisis. He called President Obama “really irresponsible” and said he felt House Speaker Boehner’s efforts are “steps in the right direction.”

The last event on Gingrich’s public schedule yesterday included a stop at the Mitchell County Fair in Osage, IA where he again greeted Iowans asking for their support in the caucuses. “I will be the only Newt Gingrich on the ballot,” he said. Gingrich was escorted around the fair by State Rep. Josh Byrnes, who introduced the presidential hopeful to many locals, including small business owner Wally Rowcliffe.

Rowcliffe is undecided whom to support in the upcoming caucuses, but he noted, “Today would make a big difference, that he [Gingrich] had enough time to come and talk to us here in small town USA.”

The Gingrich campaign said the candidate will be back in the Hawkeye State later this week.

Newt to be in Decorah, Iowa, Saturday

(Posted on Newt50States.com.)

(Update: Newt has now added these events to his Facebook page.)

Saturday, July 30, 2011: "Attending the Mitchell County Fair as a guest of Iowa Rep. Josh Byrnes," says POLITICO. Osage, Iowa.

Saturday, July 30: 2011: Nordic Fest pancake breakfast at the Fire Department. Decorah, Iowa. 8:00 AM.

Saturday, July 30, 2011: Marching with the Winnesheik County GOP in the Nordic Fest parade. Decorah, Iowa. 10:30 AM.