[Austin, TX] Texas governor Rick Perry – one of the top Republican presidential contenders for 2012 – has his eye on winning Florida.

He’s breaking out the big guns, possibly to counteract all the negative press he has gotten as of late for his poor debate performances and falling poll numbers.

The Mouth from Texas has assembled an all-star team to try to help him win Florida, a crucial state for Perry if he wants to gain any traction moving forward.

And the Sunshine Stakes are even higher, especially after Florida has bumped up its primary date to Jan. 31.

“I am proud to have these hard-working individuals join our campaign efforts in Florida,” said Gov. Perry in a campaign press release. “They are crucial assets to my campaign team as we work together to share my plan to get America working again.”

So who are these crucial assets?

Ashley McElheny, Southeast Florida Field Director: McElheny was Marco Rubio’s regional field manager for his 2010 campaign for U.S. Senator and Charlie Crist’s southwest Florida district director during his run for Governor of Florida. She is a Republican Party of Florida operative going back to 2004. She also worked on inaugural committees for President Bush and Gov. Rick Scott.

Craig Briscoe, Southwest Florida Field Director: Briscoe served as Lee County Chairman for John McCain’s presidential campaign.

Lazaro Fields, South Florida Field Director: Fields worked as a field coordinator for State Rep. Carlos Trujillo’s successful campaign for the Florida House.

Todd Lewis, West Central Coast Field Director: Lewis was Marco Rubio’s Central Florida regional and coalitions director for his campaign for the U.S. Senate. He also served as State Sen. Carey Baker’s campaign manager during his for run for Agricultural Commissioner of Florida.

Jose Romano, Tampa Bay Region Field Director: Romano is an Executive Office of the Governor veteran, having held a variety of positions including in Economic Development, External Affairs, and as Chief of Staff.

Mike Shirley, Central Florida Field Director: Shirley was Rick Scott’s Central Florida field coordinator during his campaign for Governor of Florida.

Ash Mason, Northeast Florida Field Director: Mason has worked on many statewide legislative campaigns including State House Speaker Larry Cretul’s 2006 re-election bid as well as the 2008 campaigns of State Rep. Rachel Burgin and State House Speaker Pro-Temp John Legg. Mason also served both State House Speaker-Designate Will Weatherford and State Rep. Ed Hooper as their senior legislative assistant.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate