Former state GOP head to lead Perry’s SC campaign

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Presidential hopeful Rick Perry has tapped the former chairman of the Republican Party chairman in South Carolina to lead his campaign efforts in that state.

Katon Dawson confirmed Sunday that he’ll advise the Texas governor’s GOP presidential bid in the key early primary state. Dawson was one of several advisers to former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich who jumped ship earlier this year.

Dawson was a big state GOP fundraiser, raising about $19 million for the state party during three terms before leaving the position in February 2009.

Perry officially entered the GOP presidential during a stop Saturday in Charleston.