At his Tuesday speech on Israel, Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry was flanked by a number of conservative politicians and religious leaders. But one figure, who is a Democrat, may be more controversial and extreme than all of the others.

Democratic New York State Assemblyman Dov Hikind recieved a warm public embrace from Perry after he gave the Texas governor's remarks his seal of approval.

"I had the same speech speech, identical to what you had there," Hikind told Perry. "I think the American people need change they can believe in. I'm not endorsing anyone today -- I see it beyond the pale to support Barack Obama, having watched him these past three years."