A crowd of about 60 packed Kinch's restaurant in downtown Rock Hill Tuesday morning, looking for reasons to make up their minds about a half-dozen Republican presidential candidates.

"It was a cross between Rick Santorum, Perry and Newt Gingrich," said Ethel Webb, who came to see Rick Perry Tuesday morning.

"I was undecided," echoed Paul Johnson, "but I think I'll give him a chance," he said of Perry.

The Texas governor stumped at a fixture of downtown Rock Hill. It was the first of three events planned for the day, and one of 17 so far scheduled for a very busy week ahead of the South Carolina primary on Jan. 21.

"I'm an outsider, and Washington can be changed," Perry said.

He spoke about a broad range of issues, including cutting out-of-control spending, foreign policy and getting government out of the lives of Americans.

"People say, ‘Oh, government will fix it.’ No, government won't. Government is blowing it," he said.

Perry also voiced his support for conservative social issues, such as defending traditional marriage and protecting life.

Perry has seen his support tumble dramatically since he performed poorly in several debates. In one debate, Perry forgot the name of one of three government agencies he said he'd eliminate as president. It was clear that flub was still haunting him Tuesday morning.

He was introduced by supporter and congressman Mick Mulvaney, who cautioned voters not to make up their minds based on a few moments from a TV debate.

"He's not the same person you saw for 45 seconds in a debate," Mulvaney said.

Voters said they appreciated the chance to see a candidate in person and hear more than a sound bite.

"You really find out more about a candidate then you do on a debate," Webb said.

Diane Carr works with the York County Republican Party. She still isn't decided on who will get her vote, but said these personal events make the choice easier.

"I think it'll be between him (Perry) and Mitt Romney," she said.

Recent polls show Perry running in fifth place in South Carolina, ahead of only former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman. Political experts said Perry must finish strong here in a conservative southern state in order to keep raising money for his campaign.

The last time Perry was in Rock Hill, last fall, he was a new face in the race, and carried all the excitement of a front-runner. Hundreds packed out another downtown restaurant to hear him. The crowd and the venue were much smaller this time around.

Tuesday morning, Perry was clearly asking voters to take a second look at him. He has less than two weeks left to convince them to do so.

Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum also have visits planned in York County this week.

Rick Perry's SC Schedule:

 Wednesday:

  9 a.m.: Holding a campaign event at Lizard's Thicket 4616 Augusta Road, Lexington, S.C.

1 p.m.: Holding a campaign event at Doc's Barbecue 1601 Shop Road, Columbia, S.C.

3:30 p.m.: Holding a campaign walk at The Gun Rack 213 Richland Avenue West, Aiken, S.C.

4:30 p.m.: Holding a town hall meeting Municipal Building Conference Center, 213 Richland Ave. West, Aiken, S.C.

6:15 p.m.: Holding a campaign event at Al's Family Restaurant 611 Atomic Road, Augusta, S.C.

Thursday:

  9 a.m.: Holding a campaign event at Lizard's Thicket 711-1 University Village Drive, Blythewood, S.C.

Noon: Holding a campaign event at Duke's Barbecue 789 Chestnut St., Orangeburg, S.C.

2 p.m.: Holding a campaign event at Murphy Law Firm 136 West Richardson Ave., Summerville, S.C.

4 p.m.: Holding a campaign event at Hiott's Pharmacy 213 East Washington St., Walterboro, S.C.

5 p.m.: Holding a campaign event at Fat Jack's Grillin' and Chillin' Restaurant 308 Ivanhoe Drive, Walterboro, S.C.

Friday: No events scheduled.