Former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue says he'll back Newt Gingrich if he seeks the Republican nomination for president.

Appearing at a Georgia Republican dinner Monday night, Perdue told reporters that the former U.S. House speaker "would make a great president."

Perdue said that if Gingrich runs, "he'll be able to count on my support."

Gingrich already has the backing of Georgia's current GOP Gov. Nathan Deal, who served with Gingrich in the U.S. House.

Gingrich - a 10-term congressman from Georgia - is exploring a White House bid and says he will likely make a decision by May.

Perdue said the he thinks the 2012 election will be about ideas, plans and solutions.

Perdue, Georgia's first Republican governor since Reconstruction, left in January after two terms.

Tags: politics, Sonny Perdue, Newt Gingrich, 2012 presidential race