Tag Archives: rick perry

What Barack Obama’s reelection means for Texas

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Last night, most conservatives were devastated to learn Barack Obama had been reelected as President of the United States.

As for me? Meh.

Frankly, in Texas, it really doesn’t matter who is president.

Our economy is strong. The Lone Star State emerged early from a nationwide recession with by far the best jobs numbers. Its thriving economy, low cost of living and low unemployment continue to attract disgruntled folks from other states.

Our leaders are strong. With conservative officeholders at the state level who are anything but shy and Republican majorities in both houses, we can be sure Texas won’t soon cave to political pressure. As David Guenthner of the Texas Public Policy Foundation noted on an election recap conference call today, our state election results were heartening: “Texas is continuing to chart a different path than the rest of the nation.”

Our continued emphasis on states’ rights is strong. President Obama will no doubt continue leading this country down the path of government growth, reckless spending, and increased regulation. But Texans are feisty. We will continue standing up to federal overreach – for the sake of our own state and all the others.

In a political sense, Obama’s win does matter for Texas. After all, a Democratic victory this time opens the door for a Republican one next time, and it could clear Texas’ candidate logjam.

I’m disappointed about last night. But I’m already looking forward to two exciting potential races: Abbott 2014, Perry 2016.

Highlights: A Conversation with Governor Rick Perry

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Tonight, the Texas Tribune Festival kicked off with a conversation between Governor Perry and Tribune editor Evan Smith. The session covered a wide variety of controversial topics from education to immigration to Perry’s presidential bid and everything in between.

In case you missed it, check out the selection of tweets below for the best quotes of the night – and check back here tomorrow and Sunday for more updates!


Texas GOP convention wrap-up, part 1

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It was bittersweet watching Governor Perry’s speech at the Republican Party of Texas convention this morning in Fort Worth. He was as fired up and inspiring as ever, and his message was clear: We are blessed to live in the great state of Texas and in America, but “we need a president who believes in us again.” It was almost as if he was still running. But a few self-deprecating one-liners (“2008 was America’s national ‘oops moment’”) were a sad reminder that America had made a big mistake in dismissing his candidacy for president of the United States.

Watch a little of this clip that introduced Perry, and you’ll understand what I mean:

If there’s anything this nation needs, it’s a president with a plan to promote American ingenuity by allowing its businesses to flourish and its people to be free. A president with a clear commitment to defending the Constitution, states’ rights, and traditional values. A president with a record of strong leadership and integrity. Though I’m happy to stand behind our presumptive nominee Mitt Romney, the president America will get in 2013 will be second-rate in these categories.

But who are we Texans to complain? We get to keep the longest-serving governor here at least a little longer. Perry showed his true nature as an optimistic Texas firebrand, driven by faith and our desire for liberty. What the future holds for Perry is unclear so far. He said, “I’m not riding into the sunset. I’m mounting up for the next operation.”

Attorney General Greg Abbott followed with a similarly rousing speech defending conservative policies from voter ID and repealing Obamacare to the traditional definition of marriage. He joked with the crowd, “My job is pretty simple. I go into the office, I sue the federal government, and then I go home.”

Overall, convention was buzzing with excitement. It’s been a tough primary season, with constantly shifting dates due to the legal battle over redistricting and a few particularly nasty – and extremely close – campaigns still ongoing. Other than an outburst from supporters of a certain Senate candidate who shall remain nameless here, we seemed to be abiding by RPT chairman Steve Munisteri’s words of wisdom: “Debate is good, as long as you’re civil and kind to each other. We must come out of this convention unified.” That’s what this first day was all about, at least at the non-parliamentary portions.

Texas is a beacon of hope for the nation. And, thanks to a robust Republican Party, it will stay that way… even once the lesser other states start catching on to the way we run things here. :)

Stay tuned for more on the convention in a guest post here by Lubbock native and my dear friend Kristen Vander-Plas.

In defense of David Dewhurst… and Rick Perry

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One of the most common spats between Cruz and Dewhurst supporters is over endorsements. Cruz has Sarah Palin, Rand Paul, FreedomWorks, Club for Growth, and many more out-of-state conservatives on his side. Dewhurst has equally prominent endorsements to his name as well – most notably, Governor Rick Perry.

As a Dewhurst supporter who’s had the gall to post nice things about him on Twitter, I’ve heard many an argument against Dewhurst – including slams undermining Perry’s endorsement

“Of course Perry endorsed him,” a friend recently told me. “He had to, right?”

Had to. I may be newer to politics than some of my older and more seasoned compatriots, but since when does Texas firebrand Rick Perry ever do what he supposedly “has to”?

Take a look at a few of his other endorsements: Don Willett, a strict constructionist for Texas Supreme Court justice; Wayne Christian, widely regarded as one of the most conservative (former) members of the State House; J.M. Lozano, who recently left the Democratic Party to join the GOP; and Bryan Hughes, who is challenging Joe Straus for the Speakership. Sound like the status quo to you? (The Texas Tribune has a full recap of Perry’s endorsements.)

Many of the candidates Perry endorsed are incumbents. But they’re hardly the “moderate establishment” folks Cruz supporters attempt to paint Dewhurst as. Whether newcomers or experienced politicians, whether facing a serious challenger or in a safe seat, these endorsements were not sent down from some political gods, and they were not made because of any obligation Perry supposedly had.

As for me, I try not to give too much credence to endorsements. They’re churned out nickel and dime these days. But if there are two people whose endorsements I would trust, it’s Attorney General Greg Abbott and Rick Perry. I am proud to stand with Dewhurst – and Governor Perry – in preparation for July 31st.

Thank you, Governor Perry

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It’s been almost a week since Governor Perry suspended his bid for the Republican nomination. In some ways, it feels longer.

Judging by the tweets I’ve seen, the announcement has hit a lot of people pretty hard – myself included. It’s easy to get angry when someone you’ve worked hard for gives up, frustrated that you can’t change the outcome, and disappointed you’re forced to settle for second best.

I want to share a text I got from my friend Dave shortly after the announcement:

Hey chica… Candidates come and go. Deeds unvictorious are not less valiant. Hang in there. :-)

Perry brought a new flavor of conservatism and contagious energy to the primary. He brought an outsider feel as well as governing experience, an unsurpassed record in both fiscal and social issues, and the perfect balance of pride in his accomplishments and an all-too-rare humility. He forced other candidates to take strong positions and stay on their toes.

Though Perry’s candidacy was unsuccessful, it inspired and mobilized the conservative movement like few have. Passionate Republicans and Tea Party supporters from Texas and all over the country came together seamlessly in support of a vision America desperately needs. Through Facebook and Twitter, phone calls and yard signs, we committed countless hours and gallons of elbow grease to supporting America’s jobs governor.

Ultimately, though I would’ve liked to see President Perry in the White House, I’m just as happy to have Governor Perry back in the Texas Capitol.

So, Governor Perry, if by some chance you ever read this, thank you. For giving it your best shot, for giving us someone to believe in, for showing America what could be.

Deeds unvictorious are not less valiant. We’re proud to have supported you and continue to stand with you as you return home to keep fighting the good fight in Texas.

Signed,

Katie Thompson, Executive Director of Students for Rick Perry

With Justin Till, National Chairman
Victoria Bell, Virginia State Chair
Nathan Born, Pennsylvania State Chair
Jordan Cooper, South Carolina Chair
Dylan Gorski, Kentucky State Chair
Brandon Howell, Georgia State Chair
Brendan Madigan, North Carolina State Chair
Joe Mahoney, Alabama State Chair
Matt Rainey, Wisconsin State Chair
Joe Paru, Massachusetts State Chair
Geoffrey Tahuahua, Texas State Chair
Christopher Till, Missouri State Chair