HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Texas Gov. Rick Perry has come to Connecticut in search of gun manufacturing and other jobs while talking up the importance of competition.
Perry met privately with gun manufacturers and other businesses at a downtown Hartford restaurant on Monday. He told reporters it's part of his state's drive to compete for jobs.
Gun manufacturers say they're considering leaving Connecticut after Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed new gun restrictions into law following the killings of 20 children and six educators at a Newtown school.
Malloy made an unscheduled stop to welcome Perry and offer what he called "Yankee hospitality."
Perry said his visit to Connecticut and New York is not intended to boost his profile for another run at the Republican presidential nomination. He says 2016 will take care of itself.