Palin on Perry: 'Strong, tenacious, big heart'

Rick Perry dropped his bid for the White House on Thursday and earned praise from a former vice presidential candidate.

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin complimented both the Texas governor and his home state, tweeting: "Rick Perry reflects the character of his great state: strong, tenacious, big heart. Good job, Governor. You are a true American patriot."

Perry excited the race for the Republican nomination for president earlier in the day and urged his supporters to vote for Newt Gingrich, renewing his commitment to fight for the conservative cause.

Palin earlier in the week told Fox News that if she voted in South Carolina, she would vote for Gingrich "in order to keep this thing going." 

She said "iron sharpens iron," suggesting Gingrich is a good challenge for front-runner Mitt Romney.

South Carolina votes on Saturday.

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