Perry campaign opens South Carolina office

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Texas Gov. Rick Perry picked up endorsements as his wife opened his campaign headquarters in South Carolina while protesters picketed outside.

South Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers became Perry’s first statewide officeholder endorsement. Meanwhile, Perry announced endorsements from 21 Republican legislators. However, that list included some lawmakers who had said weeks ago they would support Perry.

Texas first lady Anita Perry opened the office as about a dozen people picketed in costumes and masks. One wore a sombrero and poncho and held a sign thanking Perry for letting children of illegal immigrants pay the same tuition rates as Texas citizens.

A Winthrop University poll released Tuesday shows Perry and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney are in a close early race to win South Carolina’s first-in-the-South primary on Feb. 28.