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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- U.S. Rep. Mick Mulvaney of South Carolina is backing Texas Gov. Rick Perry's presidential bid and will advise the Republican on economic issues.

Mulvaney said Monday he would join Perry's White House bid and says Perry has a record that has cut spending and has balanced budgets. Mulvaney announced his support after a tea party-backed forum that Perry skipped to tend to wildfires raging in his home state.

Mulvaney was elected in 2010 and enjoys popularity among the state's conservative movement. He was considered a sough-after endorsement.

The endorsement was first reported by CNN.

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