As new fault lines begin to form in the national conservative landscape, many influential Republicans told BuzzFeed the dynamic between the governors of Texas and Louisiana may prove key to shaping the future of the party.

Jindal endorsed Perry early on in the GOP primaries, at a time when Republicans were stampeding toward the Texas governor, convinced that he would be the nominee. But if Jindal’s initial endorsement was unsurprising, his unwavering fealty — expressed to the bitter end — impressed many in Perry’s camp. …

On the record, aides and operatives in both camps told BuzzFeed it was simply the product of a faithful friendship, describing a personal rapport between Perry, 62, and the younger conservative. They stressed the “friendly competition” shared by their neighboring states — complete with gentle trash talk at meetings of the Republican Governors’ Association — and soberly recalled stories of Texas going out of its way to aide Louisiana in post-hurricane cleanup. …

Two Republicans close to Perry even said the Texan would likely forego a second presidential race — which he is said to be actively mulling — if it meant running against his friend, Jindal.