RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - With Texas Gov. Rick Perry now in the Republican presidential field, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell takes over for Perry as head of the Republican Governors Association.

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The RGA made the announcement Monday morning, two days after Perry formally announced his candidacy. McDonnell had been the RGA's vice chairman.

McDonnell's new post not only puts more demand on his political time for travel across the country supporting GOP gubernatorial candidates, it also elevates the popular governor's profile as an often-mentioned vice presidential running mate.

In a statement from RGA, McDonnell said the RGA is in a position to have an unprecedented impact this election cycle.

Twenty-nine U.S. governors are Republicans.