Rick Perry endorses Ted Cruz for president

One week before the Iowa caucuses, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas has won the endorsement of a former rival. Cruz now has the backing of former Gov. Rick Perry.

Perry told the website Politico that he spent a day with Cruz in December and found him to be a good listener.

"He's not just quiet. He's listening. He's processing. He knows what he doesn't know, and I cannot tell you what a virtue that is in this business for the President of the United States, for an individual who wants to lead this country. I am convinced without a doubt that on day one this very committed conservative American will be ready to be Commander-in-Chief," he said.

He also said he likes that Cruz is more conservative than Donald Trump.

Perry dropped out of the race in September.