DAILY LEDES

Austin Barbour will run Rick Perry Super PAC

Sam R. Hall
Clarion Ledger
In this July 16, 2014, file photo, Thad Cochran campaign advisor Austin Barbour speaks to reporters during an afternoon press conference.

Austin Barbour is heading up the super PAC that will support Rick Perry's presidential campaign.

Barbour, who declined comment at this time, will set up the organization and lead fundraising and political efforts.

Barbour was one of the driving forces behind the turnaround of Sen. Thad Cochran's 2014 re-election campaign, which saw GOP primary opponent Chris McDaniel lead the primary vote before Cochran pulled out the run-off victory. Barbour's brother, Henry Barbour, ran a PAC that supported Cochran but was not directly affiliated with the campaign.

This will mark Perry's second presidential run. The Barbour family has a history with Perry. Former Gov. Haley Barbour, the uncle to the Barbour brothers, is friends with Perry and has advised him on occasion. Henry Barbour has worked in advisory capacities for Perry as recent as last year.

The New York Times, who first reported the news about the super PAC, reported that Austin Barbour's "job will be to attract donors and assure them their money is being spent well."