Perry supporters tout his conservatism in Indianola

It might be too early for some Iowans to decide who their favorite presidential hopeful is but Rick Perry hasn't pushed himself out of the race yet, said Indianola residents who listened to the former Texas governor during a stop at Pizza Ranch on Sunday night.

"He's a solid conservative," said Indianola resident Steve Stroh. "We're trying to save the world here so we need somebody for a leader. That's the main thing the party is seeking."

The audience of about 40 people peppered Perry with questions about border security, the Environmental Protection Agency, global warming, immigration, gay marriage and job creation.

Perry emphasized his priorities, which generally include a smaller government, less taxes and strengthened security at the border.

He credited Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds with doing a good job, saying the federal government needs to keep its hands off issues that should be handled by states and using Branstad as an example of a "thoughtful leader."

Perry also said he'd support possibly cutting back the EPA and said states can reduce their own carbon footprints without its help.

He only went negative once, saying President Barack Obama hasn't done a sufficient job of creating jobs. He said businesses in America are innovative and that the federal government needs to keep its hands off and get rid of unnecessary laws that bring them down.

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Stroh said he's for Perry's strict stance on immigration and his anti-abortion beliefs, calling Perry a man with good common sense and saying "we still like him."

Curt Block of Oskaloosa said he likes Perry because he's a truth-teller.

"I listen to Obama and his State of the Union and you know, most of that was lies — unfacts — there was nothing to back it up," Block said. "It really turned me off. But I listen to Governor Perry, and he's stating facts. He's stating actions that are positive, producing results. I can believe what he says."

Stroh said while he won't pick a favorite yet, he's hopeful that the GOP can get down to three or four possibilities by Labor Day so he can start making his decision.