MANCHESTER, N.H. - Franklin Mayor Ken Merrifield has endorsed Texas Gov. Rick Perry for president.

"Gov. Perry has an unmatched record on job creation, consistently conservative policies and a proven record of strong leadership," said Merrifield. "I am proud to support his campaign.

"Gov. Perry's bold proposals to reform and reduce the size of the federal government will end the stranglehold the federal government has placed on job creation," Merrifield continued. "He has the best plan to get America back to work: end the job-killing regulations, repeal Obamacare, balance the budget through fiscal restraint, reform the runaway entitlement system and make the tax code flatter and fairer with an optional 20 percent flat tax for both individuals and corporations."

Mayor Merrifield joins other notable New Hampshire republicans in endorsing Gov. Perry's presidential bid, including New Hampshire House Deputy Speaker Pam Tucker, 2010 Republican gubernatorial nominee John Stephen, former U.S. Sen. Gordon Humphrey and former U.S. Rep. Charles Douglas.

"I am honored to have the support of Mayor Merrifield and many other New Hampshire GOP leaders," said Gov. Perry. "I look forward to partnering with the mayor as I continue to share my vision to get America working again with voters across the nation."

Mayor Merrifield served as the Romney for President '08 Merrimack County chairman. He was first elected mayor of Franklin in 2007. Prior to his election, he served as a three-term city councilor and school board chairman with eight years of service on the board. In 2009, Merrifield won re-election with 67 percent of the vote.