By: CNN Senior Political Editor Mark Preston Tampa, Florida (CNN) – Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is backing Rick Perry for president, a major endorsement for the Texas governor as the campaign for the Republican nomination enters the crucial fall stretch of the primary calendar, a source tells CNN. Jindal is on his way to Florida and will be Perry's guest at Monday night's "Tea Party Republican Debate" broadcast on CNN from Tampa, the source said.

Jindal is expected to formally make the announcement prior to the debate. On Monday, Sept. 12th, CNN will broadcast the "Tea Party Republican Debate," live from Tampa, Florida at 8 p.m. ET. Follow all the issues and campaign news leading up to the debate on CNNPolitics.com and @cnnpolitics on Twitter. Jindal released a statement Monday saying, “Rick Perry is the candidate who can lead our party to victory in 2012." “His record on job creation simply cannot be beat, and the one million jobs he’s helped create as governor is a stark contrast to the 2.4 million jobs lost on President Obama’s watch." Earlier in the day, Tim Pawlenty endorsed his one-time rival, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, for the GOP nomination. Pawlenty, a former Minnesota governor who dropped out of the race last month, will be Romney's guest at the debate. An interview with Jindal will air exclusively Monday evening on CNN's "John King, USA."   Read at source Amil Imani is the author of a new book "Operation Persian Gulf." Get your copy now.