Chuck Norris, the star of the 1990s popular television series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” has endorsed Bob Vander Plaats for Iowa governor.


Norris announced his support in his nationally syndicated column. He also endorsed former Rep. John Kasich of Ohio and Judge Roy Moore of Ala.

“I encourage you to spread the word about these gentlemen and patriots, learn about their platforms, support their campaigns, and see to it that they are elected in their gubernatorial races,” Norris wrote. “Theirs is leadership we can trust. I’m convinced that if we are to win back America, it’s going to start in the heartland and spread out from there because of the influence of leaders like them.”

Vander Plaats, a Sioux City Republican, is expected later this summer to officially announce his run against Gov. Chet Culver in the 2010 elections.

Norris also endorsed former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee’s 2008 run for president.