Is Rick Perry Adopting George W. Bush’s Entry Strategy?
By Ken Falkenstein | Tuesday, May 17th, 2011 | PoliticsAt the moment, there are only two candidates for the GOP presidential nomination who have any chance of actually winning it: Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. Romney ended last week with a speech on health care that did great damage to his campaign. But he seems to have recovered by raising over $10 million in a single day, proving that he will have the resources to be competitive. Mitch Daniels is expected to decide soon whether he will enter the race, and indications are that he is likely to do so and that he too will be viable and competitive. (Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who many hoped could be drafted into the race, reaffirmed today on the Sean Hannity Radio Program that he absolutely will not be running.)
With only 3 viable candidates, none of whom has a strong claim to the social conservatives that were waiting in vain for Mike Huckabee, there is room for a strong established social conservative to be competitive in the race. Texas Governor Rick Perry, America’s longest-serving governor, could be that candidate. Although he previously has stated that he does not intend to run, it now appears that he has discreetly dispatched some of his supporters and operatives to test the waters and gauge whether he could be viable.
In 1999, then-Texas Governor George W. Bush expressed reluctance to enter the 2000 presidential race while allowing his supporters and operatives to stage a front porch “draft” campaign that ultimately “convinced” him to enter the race. It looks like the current Governor of Texas might be adopting his predecessor’s entry strategy .
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About the author
Ken Falkenstein has been a staffer in the United States Senate and the Virginia House of Delegates. He has managed political campaigns. He was a military intelligence analyst in the U.S. Army in West Germany during the Cold War. He is currently a civil litigation attorney with Poole Mahoney, P.C. in Virginia Beach. But his concern for his kids' future is what most informs his writing.
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3 Responses to "Is Rick Perry Adopting George W. Bush’s Entry Strategy?"
An attractive candidate but from the wrong state this cycle. Actually the 3 “viable” candidates are all quite satisfactory since they should be able to mount competitive campaigns in the Midwest states where the race will be decided. Romney has serious weakness in the South but he could afford to lose 3 or 4 percent there and still win those states. Michele Bachman will pick up the remainder of the primary voters I assume unless Herman Cain preempts her (not likely).
How interesting in this so-far blase field. Love the pic you used. Nothing like padded-shoulders a la Joan Crawford look, a red power tie, and angry/emotional moment, all backed by the stars and stripes. Still, I would bet this guy could have some legs in this race. Let’s match the photograph with his record and some speeches and, God forbid, a platform and his record.
Rick Perry could be a formidable candidate for the GOP nomination. He’d have zero chance to actually be elected president.’
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