(CNSNews.com) -Texas Governor Rick Perry is attempting to label himself as the presidential candidate that best represents conservative values as he campaigns across Iowa.

“Why should you settle for anyone less than an authentic conservative to represent your values and your views without apology in Washington D.C. ?” Perry told the crowd at the Blue Strawberry Coffee Company in Des Moines, Iowa on Wednesday.

“If we replace a Democrat insider with a Republican insider do you think Washington is going to change any? I agree with you, listen, I’m a limited government, fiscal conservative.”

“I’m asking for your vote, and I want you to vote your conservative values. That’s what this caucus process for the Republican nomination I think is about,” Perry said of next week’s Iowa caucuses.

Perry took the opportunity to take a swipe at former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum who has received a recent boost in some Iowa polls. Perry called Santorum a “prolific earmarker” who is not a fiscal conservative.

“Well, senator I’m calling you out. Defend your earmarks. Defend to the people of this country and to Iowa those earmarks that I happen to think are the gateway drug to the spending problem we’ve got in Washington D.C.”