Texas Governor Perry vs the Obama Administration
[Guest post by DRJ]
Texas Governor Rick Perry is running for re-election to a third consecutive term but he may face a primary challenge from Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. Hutchison is generally viewed as a more moderate Republican than Perry. Maybe that explains why Perry is making the Obama Administration an issue, or maybe Perry genuinely believes Obama is the issue.
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Perry: “This is an Administration hell-bent on taking America towards a socialist country. And we ought not be afraid to say that because that’s what it is.”
Perry also called on Texans to participate in the Tea Parties and work to “stop this Administration using whatever tools we have at our disposal” including the courts, the bully pulpit, elections, and the Tenth Amendment. Perry’s message to Obama?
“Washington, we don’t want you to tell us how to run our State.”
— DRJ
What he said!
Angelo (5df281) — 11/11/2009 @ 6:11 pmThe more I see this guy on TV, the more I like him. Still kind of rough around the edges, but usually crystal – clear about his ideas and intentions.
Dmac (a964d5) — 11/11/2009 @ 6:30 pmMy heart belongs in Georgia so this is not easy to say – I’m very, very happy that I now reside in Texas.
em (11cf60) — 11/11/2009 @ 6:43 pmRick Perry has made a lot of decisions I don’t agree with, and he’s the sort of Mitt Romney/John Edwards style of guy that I just am uncomfortable with, but Rick Perry’s Texas is a well run Texas. It’s quick to handle a disaster, and it’s cheap while providing good service.
Why change that? A politician that does a good job ought not be replaced by one who says things aren’t run well.
Kay is pushing a term limits bill, perhaps to point out that Rick is serving as governor much longer than Texans are used to. But I think Texas is, relative to the rest of the country, better than ever.
I like him more and more, like Dmac, and I’m glad he’s willing to be bold in his talk about the 10th amendment, state’s rights, and TEA partiers. I doubt he has a future nationally, but it’s not like I’d complain if he tried to go that route.
Dustin (bb61e3) — 11/11/2009 @ 6:58 pmPerry still has to atone a bit for 2007, when he governed to the left after winning re-election in a four-way race with under 40 percent of the vote. The Trans-Texas corridor toll road land seizures and the attempt to go over the Legislature’s head to mandate all sixth grade Texas girls receive cervical cancer vaccinations really caused a stink, and he’s been furiously backtracking since then.
He’s done enough in the past 2 1/2 years to stake out a position to the right of Hutchison in next March’s GOP primary, and given the general mood of the electorate, you’d figure there’s no way he’s going to move back to the left, whether he ends up facing Kinky Friedman (running as a Democrat instead of an independent as in ’06) next November, or Tom Scheiffer (Bob’s brother and George W. Bush’s former general manager of the Texas Rangers in the early 90s). As long as the general voter sentiment is trending conservative, Rick’s going to be OK, though based on the past four years, you can definitely see a little Charles Durning in Perry.
John (620750) — 11/11/2009 @ 7:05 pmJohn, that vaccine thing was very ugly, and it appeared that Perry was trying to help Merck, which he has some connection to. That’s completely unacceptable.
I know land grabs tend to be bad things, but Texas NEEDS the kind of infrastructure that the TTC represented. I don’t like that they are using tolls for the roads our taxes should already have paid for, and I really don’t like the idea of private companies, particularly non-Texas ones, owning our roads.
But somehow, we need the kind of corridor Perry and his associates envisioned. That’s the future. And it’s a completely legitimate example of when Texas can use eminent domain.
It was not handled well, but the basic goal is critical to Texas’s future.
But Rick is not perfect. I do think he’s made great political decisions lately, which have more than rehabilitated him. I remember how my poli sci professor said he was the least popular governor in state history, in 2004.
Dustin (bb61e3) — 11/11/2009 @ 7:21 pmDustin —
I agree Texas needs to improve it’s transportation infrastructure — the state should have been working on the I-35 corridor 25 years ago. It was just the ham-handed way they went about it that created all kinds of problems for Perry, especially coming roughly at the time the Kelo decision was in the national spotlight. And I’m not all that set against the Toll Road concept, if Texas does what Kentucky did and eliminates the tolls once the construction bonds are paid off (as opposed to states like New York, Pennsylvania and even Oklahoma, where the tolls remain as an income source for the state in perpetuity years after the bonds have been repaid). And I agree he’s tacked back to the right very well, and hitching himself to Sarah Palin in the early going is going to be an asset during the primary run.
So I expect Rick to win the primary and barring any self-inflicted wounds win in November as well (Kay isn’t going Dede Scozzafava on him and the GOP, but if he gets too nasty she and some female GOP voters could sit next November out and make things interesting, especially if Scheiffer plays up his GWB ties, which he did when he first announced his run earlier this year). It’s just that I’m not sure if you got inside Perry’s head you’d find a committed conservative who learned his lesson from two years ago, or someone who’s just very, very deft at reading the mood of the electorate and getting out ahead of where the voters are going to be in 2010.
John (620750) — 11/11/2009 @ 7:41 pmDustin
Rick did not give in his executive order the contract to Merck’s Gardisil, in fact he noted in his order that another company’s vaccine is coming soon. Also Merck said the dosage would be drastically lower if orders rose – right now almost EVERY state is doing what Perry had suggested. Some states are close to passing it –
The TTC stated generations before Perry took office – one source said back in the 60’s
What most people dont like is that he lowered the ability of school districts to ultimately raise even more taxes – Texas has a strong 40% democrat constituency and they are esconced in the Education industry – which Texas spends about 2 out of every three statewide, local and city dollar on.
Its a huge deal in Texas and they hate the man for cutting the budget
Texas isnt DEAD last in State spending because of the geo political, business and cultural environment
Texas has the lowest tax burden in the world because of Rick Perry
Thats why its the fastest growing state – thats why California, New York, IL are fading fast – companies are moving to Texas.
EricPWJohnson (b2597d) — 11/11/2009 @ 7:44 pmI think states need to positively assert their rights under the tenth amendment or it merely ends up meaning that states have rights until the federal government decides to co-opt those rights and put the citizens of the states under the jurisdiction of the enslaving federal government.
j curtis (5126e4) — 11/11/2009 @ 7:46 pmOkay, so he combs his hair. Big deal. It’s not like he’s a marxist, like you know who.
Terry Gain (1664b9) — 11/11/2009 @ 7:56 pmTerry, I admit, it’s a pretty boy thing.
Dustin (bb61e3) — 11/11/2009 @ 7:58 pmJohn, I agree completely… I do not think Rick is really all that conservative in his head… he’s just been kinda inconsistent.
But he knows how to run a state, and he knows what Texans want in a conservative. He’s definitely gotten much better at doing so, as the years have passed.
Eric, I’m no expert on the vaccine thing, but it’s really just none of the state’s damn business. This is different from the kinds of diseases that we typically vaccinate against. I really learned most of my info on this in Austin, so I’m not surprised that Rick Perry is not as guilty as I have heard.
Regardless of all that, I don’t see anyone better running.
Dustin (bb61e3) — 11/11/2009 @ 8:03 pmBelieve or not, I’ve actually met Rick Perry and talked with him on a fairly extensive basis.
Also, if it’s not obvious, we went to the same college.
He knows he is going to face a tough fight against Hutchinson in the GOP primary and he is courting a traditional Texas conservative base.
But, conservatives in Texas are a bit strange. Texans are a bit stranger. And Perry has done some strange things (see above in comments).
It’s going to be an interesting fight and I’m still up in the air as to where I will stand.
I would like to see DRJ chime in from her POV.
Who will win? The former SMU cheerleader semi-moderate or the former Aggie student-body president who’s turned hard-core conservative?
Is this a chance for a Dem? As a voting Texan, with all the changes in my state, I don’t know.
I do know that the state is changing from Red to Blue and the outcome will make a difference.
Ag80 (3d1543) — 11/11/2009 @ 9:17 pmKBH is also a Longhorn. Her big old head is on the wall at the School of Law as some kind of endowed scholarship.
Ag80, I do not think Texas is changing from red to blue. You’re right… it’s not really that simple, but I think Texas is RED RED RED these days. Obama is the ultimate polarizer. Perhaps we’ll have a fleet of candidates again to split the vote up, but I think the winner of the GOP primary will have a milkrun of a win, and I think Perry has nailed his primary bid.
Dustin (bb61e3) — 11/11/2009 @ 9:26 pmAg,
I’m not the best person to ask for a political choice — after all, I still like Sarah Palin — but I think we’ll have a better picture of the GOP primary if and when Hutchison finally decides to resign her Senate seat. I thought she would have resigned by now. The fact she hasn’t makes me wonder what her internal polls are telling her.
DRJ (dff2ca) — 11/11/2009 @ 9:32 pmDustin:
I’m talking demographics. We’ll enjoy the same fate as California.
DRJ:
I know where you’re coming from. Why doesn’t she resign to make the run? More significantly, though, why make the run at all? What is the point of giving up her seat in the Senate to be Governor? She is the senior Senator.
All I can guess is it’s to make herself a better candidate as a running mate.
But, Perry seems to be positioning himself as, I don’t know, the Governor of Texas.
Maybe I should read Texas Monthly more.
Ag80 (3d1543) — 11/11/2009 @ 9:45 pmI think she’s been honest about why she wanted to run for Governor. She wants to come home.
DRJ (dff2ca) — 11/11/2009 @ 9:47 pmDRJ:
I don’t think we know the same Hutchinson.
You may be right, but I can’t help but think if she wants to come home, she can do that without being governor.
And I hope you know I mean no disrespect to you personally.
Ag80 (3d1543) — 11/11/2009 @ 9:51 pmag80, you’re obviously right, in the long run. I just think Texas, today, is redder than it’s been in a while. Sadly, it can’t last.
Or can it? It doesn’t have to be the case that hispanics vote democrat. Etc. These tendencies are changed by momentous periods. I think we’re in the middle of a very momentous period that will alter the meaning of ‘democrat’ and ‘republican’ for many people.
Dustin (bb61e3) — 11/11/2009 @ 9:55 pmI’ll put it another way: She wants to have her cake and eat it, too.
DRJ (dff2ca) — 11/11/2009 @ 9:55 pmDustin:
You are right.
DRJ:
As always, you are right, too.
Politics is a game and we’re not at the table.
But it’s fun to be the Monday morning quarterback.
Again, no disrespect to either. My opinion is worth about as much as John Nance Garner’s.
Ag80 (3d1543) — 11/11/2009 @ 10:04 pmMAN cake sounds so good right now.
Dustin (bb61e3) — 11/11/2009 @ 10:05 pmAg,
I may be reading between the lines but I have a feeling you’re worried about offending me because Hutchison is a Longhorn, like me, and Perry is an Aggie, like you. Am I right? Some people might find that humorous but it can be a big deal in Texas. If that is the case, I assure you it doesn’t affect my opinions or decision. I support the candidate who I believe best matches my positions and values … although I might make an exception if Colt ever runs for office.
DRJ (dff2ca) — 11/11/2009 @ 10:14 pmOkay, I can trace my heritage back to the Nation of Texas, so I have a deep-seated interest in Texas. But I am also an American.
In my view, it would be very dangerous for Senator Hutchison (proper spelling, according to Google) to give up her seat in the US Senate at this time. The only safe way for her to give up her seat in this very dangerous time is for Governor Perry to place another person in that seat the very next day. I don’t know TX procedure on that one.
And I don’t know TX law. Does Senator Hutchison have to give up her seat as Senator to run for Governor? While I strongly agree every sitting elected official should have to give up his or her seat to run for another elected office mid-term, I also note the unique situation of today. That means I’m at odds with myself. My solution: Don’t give up the seat you have unless your seat is immediately occupied once you give it up. And don’t run for another office if you have to leave your seat vacant for any length of time.
But, a little clarity on Texas law would go a long way in resolving this, I think. Would she have to give up her seat? Is that an election or appointment situation? What is the time-frame for everything?
John Hitchcock (3fd153) — 11/11/2009 @ 10:50 pmJohn, Texas would hold a special election if KBH vacated her seat. That’s actually how she got into the seat.
Dustin (bb61e3) — 11/11/2009 @ 10:58 pmI don’t think Hutchison has to resign (see here and here) but staying in Washington will make it difficult for her to run a competitive Texas race. In addition, now that ObamaCare is pending in the Senate, it puts her in a difficult position. I think she’s counting on support from moderates and Hispanics, but she doesn’t want to alienate conservatives by resigning before the Senate vote. All in all, it may be a hard line to walk.
DRJ (dff2ca) — 11/11/2009 @ 11:14 pm[…] Posted by John Hitchcock on 2009/11/12 H/T DRJ […]
Perry Spanks ObamaNation « Truth Before Dishonor (c67638) — 11/11/2009 @ 11:19 pm[…] H/T DRJ […]
Common Sense Political Thought » Blog Archive » Perry Spanks ObamaNation (73d96f) — 11/11/2009 @ 11:26 pmKay Bailey Hutchison is more than just perceived to be a
Ethical Mouse (be4188) — 11/12/2009 @ 5:26 ammoderate. She was October’s Porker of the Month from Citizens Against Government Waste. KBH has secured billions in earmarks that help her own bottom line (her husband’s clients get the earmarks). Senator Kay Bailout voted for the bailout the day after saying she wouldn’t. She also voted to keep the bridge to nowhere, she voted for a separate auto company bailout, she voted for Obama’s GIVE Act which is that controversial national service community organizing boondoggle. She has conveniently missed two ACORN votes this year. KBH is one of the top spenders of federal dollars on her own political travel. KBH voted in favor of sanctuary cities or illegals, was one of only a few female Republicans to vote in favor of Obama’s Lilly Ledbetter Act. She voted with Al Franken and the Democrats on that recent rape thing. Kay “Baby Hater” is not pro-life. KBH criticized Perry for rejecting 556 million in strings-attached stimulus dollars– she would have preferred that Texas take that money and be on the hook for expanded big government UI for perpetuity. She also votes every single time to expand S-CHIP (socialized medicine for kids… Step One in the blueprint), something Perry has resisted. KBH is undecided on
whether someone should be required to show an ID to vote. KBH criticizes the revolving door of lobbying, but she is one of the worst offenders in that regard. She now campaigns for term limits despite breaking her own adamant pledge from 1993 to serve only 2 terms. KBH brags about pork she has secured and has voted for every one of Harry Reid’s appropriations bills this year, earning her the moniker “Big Spending Republican” from the Club For Growth. Grover Norquist is endorsing Rick Perry for a reason. KBH is terrible on the issues, and she is even worse when it comes to social issues. She is not libertarian, she is just plain liberal on many issues important to social conservatives. KBH is not as liberal as Scozzafava, but she is Dede Scozzafava by Texas standards. Hutchison is more than just “perceived” as moderate. Kay Bailey Hutchison is far from conservative.
The filing period in Texas begins in December and run through Monday, Jan. 4. So Hutchison really has another seven weeks to decide, but it won’t help her campaign’s image if she doesn’t file right off the bat at the start of next month, since it’s pretty much a given Perry’s going to file as soon as possible.
John (d4490d) — 11/12/2009 @ 6:20 amThis reminds me of how a now former governor of CA gave Bush similar treatment during Bush’s first year in office.
Amphipolis (b120ce) — 11/12/2009 @ 8:18 amOnly steers and qu**rs.
HeavenSent (01a566) — 11/12/2009 @ 8:31 amI would not vote for KBH if she was running for state dog catcher.
Her whole campaign is built on the premise that Perry has been in the governor’s office too long while she ignores that she promised to only serve two terms as a federal Senator and has been in D.C. longer than Perry has been governor.
She is a RINO in a state that is red except for the bordor counties and Austin (the San Francisco of the Southwest).
So when is she going to resign? She’s hedging her bets. First she was going to resign in September, then October, and here we are 1/2 way through November.
Few know that KBH entertained the idea of running in 2006 for gov. But the numbers weren’t there for her then (according to her staff) so she waited another 4 years.
We don’t need another Washington elite coming to Texas to run one of the few states that isn’t in bankruptcy. She needs to retire, but not to the governor’s office.
retire05 (0af2a2) — 11/12/2009 @ 9:41 amRick Perry rocks. KBH is a RINO.
Texas Truth Teller (97b6a6) — 11/12/2009 @ 12:36 pmProud to have Perry as my governor.
Anyone that stands with the 2nd and 10th is good for me.
And telling the State dept and Mexico where to get off regarding executions is just a bonus.
KBH has been out of the state too long and has the bipartisan bug that seems to effect most Republicans when they get to DC.
Proud Texan (14b830) — 11/12/2009 @ 1:53 pmI don’t have a problem with KBH… she’s a beltway republican, and she’s supported some bad policies, but she’s a smart lady and much better than many Texas governors have been. I think her talk of terms limits is disingenuous and personally convenient. also, every time I accidentally click over to Walker: Texas Ranger, KBH is making a cameo… what the hell is that?
Perry has made this election about Obama and the federal government. If he loses, we all know what that means… it’s a victory for Obama. KBH does not like tough political fights. She does not strike me as an authentic Texan like Carole Keeton Strayhorn Righlander Smith Jones (can’t stand that one, but she’s definitely Texan).
Dustin (bb61e3) — 11/12/2009 @ 2:01 pmI hate to drag this out of the dungeon, but I have to respond to DRJ.
Believe me, this has nothing to do with Hutchison (sorry JH about the previous slip of the finger) being an SMU or UT grad.
I should have said that I’ve never been too impressed by Perry despite our collective experience. He says the right things but, something, in my opinion, is amiss.
And I’ve also had the old skancy eye on the senior Senator as well.
But, that’s Texas politics.
Ag80 (3d1543) — 11/12/2009 @ 8:39 pmThanks for clarifying that, Ag80, and I’m sorry I misunderstood. I knew something was bothering you but I wasn’t sure what it was.
There are very few perfect candidates, especially in the Republican Party, because the brightest conservatives tend to be attracted to careers in business, accounting, law, engineering, and occasionally medicine. There are exceptions but some of our best candidates have had other careers first, or are only attracted to politics when crises roll around (like now).
Overall, I’m not worried about picking which candidate I like best in the upcoming elections. Right now I like Perry’s positions more than Hutchison’s, but I figure time and the candidates will help me make my decision in the coming weeks and months.
DRJ (dee47d) — 11/12/2009 @ 9:00 pmAg80, after I posted my comment with the google-correct spelling, I thought about posting another comment but got too lazy.
I’ve seen Hutchinson, Hutchison, Hutcheson. It is my firm belief nobody should have a last name with more than five letters in it. There should be a law. Make it a jailable offense or something.
I gotta say, though, coming from a state that provided Governor/Senator Voinovich, I don’t need any purple candidates.
John Hitchcock (3fd153) — 11/12/2009 @ 9:10 pmDRJ and JH:
Thanks for the responses. And, JH, sorry about Voinovich.
There is a guy I do like a lot and I’m keeping my on him and that’s Jeb Hensarling (and, yes, he’s an Aggie and yes, we were in school at the same time but, I never met him).
diffus probably knew him well. Let’s see if he will pop up with a comment.
Ag80 (3d1543) — 11/12/2009 @ 9:29 pmI just ventured over to drudge and he has Perry’s Midland speech in great big red letters.
Didn’t I see that yesterday somewhere else?
Ag80 (3d1543) — 11/12/2009 @ 10:01 pmHey, the truth going viral is not a bad thing. Be happy you don’t have to contend with blu.
John Hitchcock (3fd153) — 11/12/2009 @ 10:05 pmHutchison has decided not to resign. IMO she didn’t have a choice. Perry would have killed her with this issue as long as Congress is under Democratic control.
DRJ (dee47d) — 11/13/2009 @ 4:02 pmGood for KBH. She’s powerful in DC, and we need all the power we can muster. If she wants to come home, she’s had a great career. Perhaps she could return to journalism.
Dustin (bb61e3) — 11/13/2009 @ 4:16 pm