Perry indicates support for English as national language

MASON CITY, Iowa - Texas Gov. Rick Perry suggested Friday he would support the implementation of English as the national language while answering questions at a Cerro Gordo County GOP fundraiser.

"I'd like to see English made the official language of the government of this country," said a man who stood up during the question-and-answer portion of the event and expressed frustration with the fact that directions on store products are written in multiple languages.

"That is a statement that's not a question, and I can agree with it," Perry responded.

While Perry has sought to prove himself as a governor who is tough on immigration - a task made difficult by his support for a Texas law giving in-state tuition to the children of illegal immigrants that many conservatives disdain -- it is not a position he has brought up during his presidential bid. Other candidates, including Rep. Michele Bachmann and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, have expressed support for the idea.