Dr. A.K. Desai, a member of the state board of education and top GOP fundraiser, is jumping aboard the Rick Perry campaign team and helping host a Sept. 13 fundraiser in Tampa Bay for the Texas governor and newly minted presidential candidate.

"I've known Gov. Perry for years,'' said Desai, an insurance executive who raised money for Romney 2008. "He showed tremendous leadership with the RGA and he's done a tremendous job in Texas creating jobs, reducing regulations and reducing taxes. ... You will see quite a number of top fundraisers come on board for Perry. I've talked to many of my Republican friends in Florida and there is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for Perry. Some of the people who signed up with other candidates, I think you will see moving to Perry."