Perry denies reports of shakeup in campaign staff

[November 30, 2011]  DERRY, N.H. (AP) -- Republican presidential contender Rick Perry denied Tuesday that his campaign was in the middle of a major staff shakeup.

Perry, the Texas governor, said he had spoken recently to senior strategist Dave Carney and campaign manager Rob Johnson and that there's been no change in their roles with the campaign.

Politico reported that Joe Allbaugh would now be Perry's campaign manager, Tony Fabrizio its main strategist, and Carney focusing on New Hampshire.

"News to me," Perry told reporters when asked whether Carney or Johnson had been demoted.

"I've talked to both of them, as a matter of fact, in the last 24 hours," Perry said. "If they have, news to me. I would suggest to you that that's just scuttlebutt. Highly technical Aggie term for 'not correct.'"

Perry, who has struggled for support according to recent polls, was campaigning in New Hampshire on Tuesday and Wednesday.

[Associated Press; By STEVE PEOPLES]

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