Gohmert says Perry does not favor Texas secession

Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) is downplaying the idea that Texas Gov. and Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry supports Texas seceding from the United States.

"I think those comments were made tongue in cheek," Gohmert said, as reported Tuesday by The Iowa Independent. "I've talked to Rick. I've known him since Texas A&M. And I know he has no intention of ever seeing Texas secede."

Gohmert also added that the Civil War "pretty well decided whether a state can secede or not," and said Perry understands that "we're stronger as a country united."

Perry was reported as saying in 2009 that Texas joined the U.S. voluntarily and can leave "anytime we want," and that Texas is "kind of thinking about that again."

Perry jumped into the presidential race last week, though not in time to be formally listed in the Ames Straw Poll in Iowa. He still received 718 write-in votes, however, giving him sixth place behind Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Sen. Rick Santorum and Florida businessman Herman Cain.