Despite numerous rumors suggesting otherwise, state Rep. Jeff Perry said Saturday that he is not challenging state Rep. Brad Jones for his post as House Minority Leader.

The Boston Herald reported last Sunday that half of the now 16-member Republican caucus was supporting Perry, of Sandwich, over Jones, of North Reading. Several State House sources confirmed that report to PolitickerMA.com this week and said that state Rep. Karyn Polito was among those backing Perry.

Perry said Saturday that he is not seeking the post.

"To correct any rumors," he said in a statement, "I am not seeking the position of Minority Leader at this time."

However, Perry did acknowledge that he has been approached to challenge Jones.

"In specific response to the suggestion that I am a candidate for the House Minority Leader, I am flattered by the many people who asked me to seek election for such a role," he said.

Perry said that he has been "extremely disappointed" by the Republican Party's "electoral failure" in Massachusetts. This year the Republicans lost three seats in the House, shrinking the caucus from 19 to 16 members.

"In addition, we have lost the governor's office and failed to win any statewide elections," Perry said.

The lawmaker also said that he believes Massachusetts Republicans "have been too timid" in emphasizing the GOP's basic principles to voters. Such principles, Perry said, include fighting for limited government, opposition to tax increases, opposition to earmarks, strength on law enforcement issues and demanding the highest ethical standards for elected officials.

"All across Republican circles it is agreed that change is needed," Perry said. "Change at its basic level should mean new party leaders stepping forward and given the opportunity to bring a new energy to the GOP."

And while he stated he is not seeking the post, Perry said "the decision of who will be the Minority Leader in January is up to the Republican House Caucus."