Is Rick Perry weaker in Texas now?
Rick Perry is back in Texas. And his health, politically speaking, is about as unpredictable as that of the other Lone Star cowboys who line up at the annual State Fair to down big batches of fried butter, fried beer, or fried bacon.
For the last few months Perry tempted fate, and now he’s wondering what the lingering damage is.
He has three years left on his gubernatorial term and a lot of questions. Will he run for governor again? Will he run for the presidency in 2016? Will he be able to assemble the usual political muscle that allowed him to steamroll opponents at the statehouse?
Here is what to watch: For starters, there is the less-than-inspired political base in Texas. More than a few true believers are quietly saying Perry simply didn’t embarrass himself on the presidential campaign trail; he embarrassed Texas. In a state insistent on employing self-congratulation as an economic driver, that is no small thing—and it remains to be seen if Perry’s grip on his big-business allies will be as strong as it had been. (continue reading)
