Althouse: "Texas’s economic record really is about 80 percent of Perry’s appeal..."

June 21, 2011

"Texas’s economic record really is about 80 percent of Perry’s appeal..."

"... Texas is just killing it on the jobs front compared with the rest of the country."

From a list of 5 reasons to favor Texas Governor Rick Perry's candidacy.

116 comments:

Fred4Pres said...: Imagine that during a time the rest of the country is in the midst of a depression.; 6/21/11, 3:13 PM
Shouting Thomas said...: Half the Filipinos I know have moved to Texas.

You can buy a house on a couple of acres cheap.

Taxes are low.

The climate reminds them of the Philippines.

I'm thinking of doing the snow bird thing this year in Austin. Great music scene. I can play with some real cowboys.; 6/21/11, 3:17 PM
Toad Trend said...: Without economic success, the United States would have never achieved status as the greatest nation, ever.

Sadly, without economic literacy, economic success may be very hard to achieve in the current climate.

Economic literacy, the Edsel, ceiling wax,....; 6/21/11, 3:28 PM
Quaestor said...: "I'm thinking of doing the snow bird thing this year in Austin. Great music scene. I can play with some real cowboys."

Just be sure to get some stock so you're not all chapeau.

Perry's problem will be translating the Texas solution to key blue states (a flip of two or three into the red column will be required for a GOP win). Generally blue state voters are disinclined to believe the proposition that the way to fight a depressed economy is to fight the interventionist urge, to manage best by managing least.; 6/21/11, 3:30 PM
I'm Full of Soup said...: I think his aversion to centralized power [in DC] is appealing too. I hope our next Prez gets one of those wheels that you spin to tell you what to do. Choices should include:

1-Bomb another country
2- Say "that's not the president's job".
3- Say "I feel your pain now GTF out of my office".
4- Fire someone.
5- That is the job of your governors.
6- It's my predecessor's fault.; 6/21/11, 3:31 PM
Anonymous said...: If I ever decided to live in another state, Texas would be my first choice (although a lot of that is based on the lack of income tax, which it has in common with Tennessee. I don't know how you other folks handle dealing with 2 income taxes.)

I've been really excited about Perry and want to know more about him. If I were betting, I'd say he's likely to win the nom, assuming he gets in.

However, I heard this morning that he's from the Bush/McCain school of thought on (illegal) immigration. So I might have to give it some more thought.

- Lyssa; 6/21/11, 3:32 PM
edutcher said...: Imagine, somebody with real achievements.

What a concept!; 6/21/11, 3:35 PM
Scott M said...: As someone that's considered TX as a possible move-to state, how much of their mmm-mmm-goodness is due to TX policy and how much is due to CA just being gawd-awful.; 6/21/11, 3:35 PM
Fen said...: Scott, lightbulbs are legal in Texas...; 6/21/11, 3:43 PM
Fen said...: So, how long before Obama and his czars sabotage the Texas economy for political reasons?

Can't allow anyone to outshine The One.; 6/21/11, 3:46 PM
Anonymous said...: "Scott, lightbulbs are legal in Texas."

Huh?

Incandescent bulbs are legal everywhere (unless you're pushing them on Amazon ... then it's "better stock up before they're gone.)"

Do your research. Sometimes, people tell you things just because they want you to buy things.

Let's keep discussions here based on facts.; 6/21/11, 3:47 PM
YoungHegelian said...: If I had to move right now, I'd probably head out to Texas, too. I may be prejudiced a wee bit towards Texas because I married a Texas Jew-Girl.

Sometimes, though, they are a bit much: the Mrs' favorite Texan joke:

A guide in France is showing a bunch of American tourists the Eiffel Tower. A Texan looks at the tower and says "Hell, girlie, we got outhouses in Texas bigger than that!". Another tourist pipes up from the back "Hell, in Texas, you need 'em".

PS: Is it just me, or is Blogger going apeshit today?; 6/21/11, 3:51 PM
Fred4Pres said...: shouting thomas:

Are they doing Tex Mex pancit?

Adobo and Asado would work well with Tex Mex cusine too.; 6/21/11, 3:51 PM
Steve said...: As a native Texas who has lived in some "blue" states and has returned to Texas, I'd our success is due to Texans, rather than anything Gov. Perry has done. When I lived in New York, I met many people who believed that businesses exist to fund government. You see that in the liberal cry "Tax the rich!" That attitude is far from common down here.; 6/21/11, 3:52 PM
Martin L. Shoemaker said...: If I had time to dig, I would create a chart showing three lines.

1. Employment rate since January 2007.

2. Line 1, but subtracting jobs from Texas and from the government. (I would probably leave in the military.)

3. Line 2, but subtracting jobs from McDonald's and other Obama friends that got waivers.

I suspect line 3 would show a pretty scary unemployment picture for the rest of us.; 6/21/11, 3:55 PM
TMink said...: The Texas legislature only meets every other year. That is killer.

Trey; 6/21/11, 3:56 PM
The Crack Emcee said...: Everyone knows I'm a Palin fan, but I'm watching,...; 6/21/11, 3:57 PM
Fen said...: Bob: Do your research. Sometimes, people tell you things just because they want you to buy things.

Go find a mirror. Rinse and repeat.

"The measure, sent to Gov. Rick Perry for consideration, lets any incandescent light bulb manufactured in Texas - and sold in that state - avoid the authority of the federal government or the repeal of the 2007 energy independence act that starts phasing out some incandescent light bulbs next year."

http://nation.foxnews.com/culture/2011/06/20/texas-tells-feds-shove-your-light-bulb-ban#ixzz1PwjY0pFG; 6/21/11, 3:59 PM
Fen said...: /3rd attempt

"Is it just me, or is Blogger going apeshit today?"

Nope, not just you. Today is one of those where its wise to copy before hitting publish; 6/21/11, 4:01 PM
edutcher said...: YoungHegelian said...

PS: Is it just me, or is Blogger going apeshit today?

And this day is any different from the others because...?

PS FWIW, I think some issues are browser-specific.; 6/21/11, 4:04 PM
Shouting Thomas said...: Are they doing Tex Mex pancit?

Adobo and Asado would work well with Tex Mex cusine too.

Haven't been down to visit the Filipino families in Texas yet, so I don't know about the pancit?

But adobo goes with everything... especially pork.; 6/21/11, 4:05 PM
Shouting Thomas said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 6/21/11, 4:05 PM
Carol_Herman said...: Nope. And, Drudge has up that McCain wants another shot at losing a presidential bid.

Why so much fluff?

It's what comes out from the navel gazers.; 6/21/11, 4:06 PM
Toad Trend said...: @Steve

Amen. A lifelong resident of NY State, I can vouch for your take.

The 'Fee State' shows no end to its madness. The best of everything for anyone who is out of work.

Want to start a business? Heh. Go to the line with the 'Bum's Rush' header, buddy. By the way, the advice will cost you $20. Cash only.

Of course, there is absolutely NO CORRELATION between NY's fiscal condition, and the fact it has been run by the democrat party (note; I did NOT say 'democratic' party, drives me bonkers) for the last 50-60 years.

Just a coincidence.

That'll be $20. Cash only.; 6/21/11, 4:07 PM
Carol said...: "Taxes are low."

Not property taxes.; 6/21/11, 4:08 PM
Franklin said...: Federalism is the most important political philosophy for our elected reps to have. Even more important than libertarianism.; 6/21/11, 4:08 PM
Toad Trend said...: @YoungHegel

"PS: Is it just me, or is Blogger going apeshit today?"

Get into the habit of highlighting your comment and hitting Ctrl + C before you submit. Will save your anger and frustration for other commenters.

wv- undeded

Just saw the 'undead'.; 6/21/11, 4:10 PM
Bruce Hayden said...: Texas is fine, but I will leave it to them.
- Pretty flat - I grew up with real mountains (52 14k or higher), and now have a nice one w/ maybe 5k vertical 10 miles away.
- Fire ants
- Hot and muggy in the summer.
- Texans. From a westerner's point of view, Texans are more southern than western. And, indeed, they all wear hats and boots now, as do the Mexicans.

Other than that, the state is great.; 6/21/11, 4:13 PM
ndspinelli said...: Perry looks and sounds too much like an evangelical, snake oil salesman to ever get elected prez.; 6/21/11, 4:17 PM
traditionalguy said...: Texas laws also create a sanctuary state for debtors fleeing creditor collections in other states. Two of the last four Presidents have been Texas politicians. And the State of Texas has football values. The local Three Star recruits can beat Big Ten schools at Rose Bowls. Perry's problem will be his Southern Baptist Pulpiteer's Persona. That may win him the Huckabee guys, but can lose him many other voters. Stay tuned.; 6/21/11, 4:19 PM
Synova said...: Pancit is just rice noodles.; 6/21/11, 4:26 PM
lgv said...: Now, take Rick Perry....please.

As a longtime NY transplant in Texas, I would favor him running if he were to resign.

Governor of Texas is a no brainer. Just don't screw it up. Even GWB didn't screw it up. Perry gets elected because the alternative is always worse.

He is the epitome of croney capitalist. He is not a friend to small business, but he is a friend to corporate interests. I find him totally unlikable.

What did he do to create jobs in Texas? Nothing. Which is just what we need. His change in the franchise tax (state corporate tax) caused grievous harm to small businesses.

People who are only vaguely familiar with Perry need to quit making him out as something greater than he is. Please stop it. You will end up making me support Mitt.; 6/21/11, 4:28 PM
Robert Cook said...: "...the United States...the greatest nation, ever."

America, FUCK YEAH!; 6/21/11, 4:31 PM
Penny said...: The more presidential hopefuls the better. It shows a willingness to get in there to try to resolve some of these major issues we are facing today as a nation.

If Perry has something to offer as it relates to job creation in a down economy, why wouldn't everyone be interested in listening?; 6/21/11, 4:31 PM
sunsong said...: I'm looking at Perry with some interest. He doesn't appeal to me near as much as Huntsman - but he is an improvement over Santorum or Cain or Romney, imo.

I am turned off by his comment to the effect that the left will never like the right so quit trying to curry favor with them.

I am weary of the hatred and hostility and the polarization. That may be a bridge too far for me to support Perry - even though Obama is a divider as well.; 6/21/11, 4:32 PM
Synova said...: North Dakota is doing well, too. (My son said that it was depressing. There were help wanted signs everywhere.)

The solution isn't difficult.

Drill baby drill.; 6/21/11, 4:33 PM
Penny said...: The other reason it is good to have more republican presidential hopefuls is because it shows the diversity of the party that some want to paint as one dimensional.

That just isn't so, and more people will get to see that.; 6/21/11, 4:33 PM
G Joubert said...: I'm a bit circumspect. Perry is a former D who supported Al Gore. Kinda takes the blush off the blossom, no?; 6/21/11, 4:36 PM
Salamandyr said...: ""...the United States...the greatest nation, ever."

America, FUCK YEAH! "

So...which one is better?; 6/21/11, 4:37 PM
jimspice said...: I think he should really stress that execute-the-innocent angle.; 6/21/11, 4:38 PM
traditionalguy said...: The other special development in Texas has been a new Tort Law that makes losers pay the winners legal fees. Coupled with the liability caps already in place, it is now virtually impossible to get sued in Texas if you are a Business that causes serious injury and death to citizens. That sounds good to the people who have not been seriously injured and killed by negligent actions of a business's employees and design engineers. The insurers now don't even bother to pay claims, and the lawyers willing to take a case on a 1/3 fee have disappeared. So invest in Texas Corporations, but live in another state where it is much safer.; 6/21/11, 4:41 PM
edutcher said...: Robert Cook said...

"...the United States...the greatest nation, ever."

America, FUCK YEAH!

By George, I think he's got it!
/sarc

Actually, I think Cook would prefer the USSR circa 1935, but that would be stating the obvious.; 6/21/11, 4:42 PM
Toad Trend said...: @Salamandyr

Cookie is a self-loather.

Ignore with prejudice.; 6/21/11, 4:43 PM
AST said...: That says a lot about how economically beneficial government regulation is.

I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that Texas has the largest border with Mexico. Just wondering.

What part of the big draw to the U.S. is that we've enacted the welfare state and minimum wage laws?

The open borders crowd seem to think we can air condition the world by keeping our doors and windows open.

The only problem I have with Rick Perry, based on his speech to the Republican Leadership convention, is that he has so much energy that it's tiring to watch him.; 6/21/11, 4:46 PM
Anonymous said...: Texans, chime in. Is there anywhere in Texas that has a pleasant climate, not too much heat and humidity and is largely free of weather disasters? Genuine question; 6/21/11, 4:54 PM
Shouting Thomas said...: America, FUCK YEAH!

Yeah, you see, Kookie is much too smart to be a patriotic, proud American.

He's a genius, and probably actually a lesbian from Syria.

He's such a genius that, this time around, when he's finally appointed President for Life, he's gonna make communism work.; 6/21/11, 4:55 PM
AST said...: Another question: If we elect Rick Perry President will Texas' growth drop off after he leaves? If he gets elected but Democrats hold control of the Senate, will he make that much difference?; 6/21/11, 4:55 PM
Bill S. said...: The fact is that a growing economy solves a lot of our problems. Think about it. Not enough attention has been paid to growth as we debate spending cuts, tax increases, etc.; 6/21/11, 4:58 PM
Shouting Thomas said...: Pancit is just rice noodles.

And whatever else you want to put in it.; 6/21/11, 5:01 PM
mariner said...: gutless,
Texans, chime in. Is there anywhere in Texas that has a pleasant climate, not too much heat and humidity and is largely free of weather disasters? Genuine question

No.

Genuine answer.; 6/21/11, 5:02 PM
Anonymous said...: Mariner, Thanks. Much as I feared.; 6/21/11, 5:08 PM
AlphaLiberal said...: Perry has courted secession from the US. How in the world can he then run for President?

Republicans today hate America, they hate the American government and they hate the majority of the American people (they hate liberals, unionists, feminists, minorities, environmentalists, scientists, train riders, you name it!)

Please, by all means, run with the dumbass neoConfederate from Texas. In the future we will know him as "Road Kill."; 6/21/11, 5:09 PM
Shouting Thomas said...: Republicans today hate America, they hate the American government and they hate the majority of the American people (they hate liberals, unionists, feminists, minorities, environmentalists, scientists, train riders, you name it!)

Enter stage left, the whackiest of our whack jobs... even crazier the Kookie... dumber than garbage... almost as surly and mean spirited as J...

Omega Liberal! The last of the last!; 6/21/11, 5:11 PM
Seeing Red said...: So, how long before Obama and his czars sabotage the Texas economy for political reasons?

Can't allow anyone to outshine The One.

He's already started - they threatened to shut down the airports & the EPA is trying to put the 2 largest oil-producing counties out of biz.; 6/21/11, 5:13 PM
Shouting Thomas said...: Just in case you want to know what Gov. Perry said, as opposed to the fantasy that Omega Liberal invented, here are the Gov's actual words:

"There's a lot of different scenarios," Perry said. "We've got a great union. There's absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that. But Texas is a very unique place, and we're a pretty independent lot to boot."

Lie much, Omega?; 6/21/11, 5:19 PM
Drew said...: A know a few former Wisconsin residents who gave up on this fine state and moved to Texas. In a way, I envy them, but Texas is just too damn hot.; 6/21/11, 5:22 PM
deborah said...: "Please, by all means, run with the dumbass neoConfederate from Texas. In the future we will know him as "Road Kill.""

Please don't throw me in the briar patch!; 6/21/11, 5:24 PM
Toad Trend said...: @AlphaMoron

Fiction much???

Good comedy has a grain of truth to it.

You just got booed off the stage. Again.

wv- fibbe

Olde English, what AlphaMoron uttered...; 6/21/11, 5:26 PM
Ankur said...: Texas has a projected $27 billion budget deficit for the year 2012-13.

The comptrollers report discussing that is available at here

Texas's population is around 25 million.

That makes a deficit of about $1080 per person.; 6/21/11, 5:30 PM
mesquito said...: Phillipinos do laright in Texas.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neal_McCoy; 6/21/11, 5:31 PM
deborah said...: lol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSIFD2GTp9M&feature=player_detailpage#t=116s

Just driving our liberal brethren crazy will be enough to justify his nomination.; 6/21/11, 5:32 PM
mesquito said...: As Iowahawk said, you know who else inherited his economy from George W Bush?; 6/21/11, 5:33 PM
Seeing Red said...: Republicans today hate America, they hate the American government and they hate the majority of the American people (they hate liberals, unionists, feminists, minorities, environmentalists, scientists, train riders, you name it!)

Project much?

OTOH

EXCUSE YOU?

I'm a tail-end boomer - I'm supposed to QUESTION AUTHORITY!

They're the AUTHORITY!

And guess what?

The environmentalists/scientists

r

LYING!

As to the rest LOLOLOLOL

You've had your way - it isn't working - don't blame us for pointing it out.; 6/21/11, 5:33 PM
Ankur said...: And in case anyone is wondering why I put that up there: States that have less or no budget shortfalls are essentially subsidizing texas and california and the other high-budget-shortfall states by keeping the american currency afloat.

if Texas or California had their own currencies, the budget deficit would drive down the buying power of their currencies and impoverish their residents.; 6/21/11, 5:33 PM
deborah said...: Ankur, are CA and TX in a pickle for the same reason?; 6/21/11, 5:39 PM
Michael said...: Ankur: The report says the deficit will be 4 billion, not 27; 6/21/11, 5:47 PM
Ankur said...: No, Deborah.

But their disparate policies have led to similar budgetary situations.

Only, no one talks about the Texas budget issues because it is not fashionable to criticise the fiscal policies of a pro business state.

Texas's spending budget is almost entirely education and healthcare. So, guess where the spending cuts are going to come from?

Texas school districts have some of the highest advanced placement scores and some of the best college admission records. A cut in the education budget might affect that.; 6/21/11, 5:47 PM
Seeing Red said...: A lot of these "feminists" need fainting couches. So many get the vapors when challenged.

They R an embarrassment to women.; 6/21/11, 5:50 PM
Chase said...: Alpha asked:

Please, by all means, run with the dumbass neoConfederate from Texas.

OK.

In the future we will know him as "Road Kill."

Guess we'll talk again in a little while . . .; 6/21/11, 5:50 PM
Ankur said...: Michael, you are looking at 2010-11 deficit - which is $4 billion. I am talking about 2012-13 deficit, as mentioned in my post above.; 6/21/11, 5:50 PM
Ankur said...: Of course, I should mention that Texas has about $9 billion in a rainy day fund that remains untouched so far.

So, despite cashflow woes, it doesn't necessarily go into a default scenario yet.; 6/21/11, 5:58 PM
Paul said...: And the United States economy, or lack of to, is 80 percent of the reason Obama's poll ratings are lower than whale shit.

And now Obama is gonna run from Afghanistan even though his Generals and alot of his administration is against it. Just like his, "I got Bin Laden" the putz really thinks that will up his poll numbers.

But a fool is a fool is a fool.

Hope and Change and all that garbage.; 6/21/11, 6:19 PM
Paul said...: Oh yea.. and LIVE IN TEXAS.

Have fun Yankees with your Obama god.; 6/21/11, 6:21 PM
deborah said...: "Texas's spending budget is almost entirely education and healthcare. So, guess where the spending cuts are going to come from?

Texas school districts have some of the highest advanced placement scores and some of the best college admission records. A cut in the education budget might affect that."

That's pretty amazing. A right-to-work low-tax state with a high AP rate.

So what would be your solutions for TX and CA?; 6/21/11, 6:27 PM
Anonymous said...: Alpha's nanny (keeper) said:

"You can tell when Alpha is scared. He blabbers nonsense, swears and wets himself. Otherwise, he just blabbers nonsense and swears."; 6/21/11, 6:34 PM
RobertW said...: From a Texas citizen for 66 years:
The office of governor in Texas is considered "weak" in comparison to other states. While I voted for Perry, I realize he may be taking credit for some things that were not fully in his control. The governor does have the "bully pulpit" to bring issues to the public but may not have the power make it happen.
The issue of a state income tax has been kept in check by the voting public. It has always been the kiss of death for any Texas politician's future to breath a word about proposing one. We are bipartisan on this.; 6/21/11, 6:44 PM
deborah said...: Robert, what did you think of Perry trying to mandate the HPV vaccine for girls?; 6/21/11, 6:54 PM
Matt said...: You mean the same Rick Perry who railed against the stimulus package that helped balance his state's budget?

Yeah, hypocrisy works for him.; 6/21/11, 6:54 PM
Anonymous said...: gutless said...

" Texans, chime in. Is there anywhere in Texas that has a pleasant climate, not too much heat and humidity and is largely free of weather disasters? Genuine question "

In a word: No

BUT, you'll still like it here. The first couple summers are the hardest (the adjust period; originally from Michigan here myself).

_Jim; 6/21/11, 6:58 PM
Anonymous said...: Robert said...

" From a Texas citizen for 66 years:
The office of governor in Texas is considered "weak" in comparison to other states. "

So much pablum from the press, I think.

He still signs bills (into law) and has power of veto PLUS he can call the legislature into special session.

So the 'press' calls all that weak? I don't see how ...

_Jim; 6/21/11, 7:02 PM
master cylinder said...: Perry sucks. He's hiding the deficit under a bushel
[ matt. 5;15 ]
He's also a big "christian" [see Willingham]
LOTS of people killed in Texas during his reign.
No way America goes for this Bush clone.; 6/21/11, 7:25 PM
Rialby said...: "You mean the same Rick Perry who railed against the stimulus package that helped balance his state's budget?

Yeah, hypocrisy works for him."

Huh, dude. Texas gives more to the federal government than it takes. If your Keynesian president wants to run up the debt with borrowed money you better be sure we'll take our fair share. Who should get it? Michigan? illinois?; 6/21/11, 7:32 PM
Toad Trend said...: @ 'leaking' master cylinder

"No way America goes for this Bush clone."

Zero = utter failure and self-loathing 'amerikan'.

Perry, Bush clone, or traffic cone = vast improvement over Zero.; 6/21/11, 7:34 PM
mesquito said...: " Texans, chime in. Is there anywhere in Texas that has a pleasant climate, not too much heat and humidity and is largely free of weather disasters? Genuine question "

Sure. Tha Davis Mountains.*,**

*Bring your own money.
**They burnt up pretty bad last month, but all the fuel is gobe for now.; 6/21/11, 7:37 PM
Anonymous said...: There aren't many left in American that feel good about America.

Those that love America feel it's being destroyed.

Those that hate America feel it's not being destroyed fast enough.

All I know is that the last time I felt like this was during Jimmy Carter.

Eventually something's gotta give, and I don't see another Reagan-well, I see one, but she's a she.; 6/21/11, 7:38 PM
Steven said...: Texas has a deliberately and widely plural executive. To the point that traditionally the Lieutenant Governor is considered a more powerful personage than the Governor, since the LG has a lot of legislative power attached to his role as President of the State Senate. It doesn't make sense to give the governor too much credit or blame for anything that happens in Texas.

There are a few small things under the direct control of the governor; the Economic Development Bank, the Office of State-Federal Relations, the Office of Housing and Community Affairs, the Texas Film Commission, and the Texas Music Office. But for the most part, the powers of the governor of Texas are:

1) Singing or vetoing laws passed by the legislature.
2) Appoint, to fixed terms, people who will actually have authority. These appointees thenceforth hold power independently of the Governor, the Governor having no power to remove them or give them orders.
3) Calling out the National Guard.

That's it.

For example, somebody mentioned "execute-the-innocent" above. Well, what, exactly, does he suggest Perry have done? The Texas Governor can't issue pardons or commutations without the permission of the independent Board of Pardons and Paroles. He can't tell the independently-elected AG to concede a lawsuit, fire the AG, or give orders to anyone working for the AG. He can't give orders to any prison warden, prison guard, or police officer anywhere in the state, except for the Texas Rangers under very limited circumstances. He can't fire anybody in the Department of Criminal Justice or the Department of Public Safety, either (though he does get to appoint members to their boards when their fixed terms are up).

I don't expect Perry to be a great President, if elected. He won't have the Texas Legislature writing the laws he vetoes or signs.; 6/21/11, 7:38 PM
mesquito said...: The formal powers of the Governor are pretty limited, but you forgot the most imprtant: calling special sessions of the legislature and putting items before it for consideration.

That said, a skillful pol can govern effectively here as Perry does and W did before, just by being the only poltician in the state with anything near universal name recognition. Ann Richards had a decent first year, but she ran out of things to do that were a) plausible and b) did not excite her Lefty Austin base. She found she could please normal Texans, or the plagiarist Molly Ivins. But not both.; 6/21/11, 7:47 PM
Toad Trend said...: @Steven

"I don't expect Perry to be a great President, if elected. He won't have the Texas Legislature writing the laws he vetoes or signs."

Interesting. I think the question about all of this has to do with the (supposed, alleged) role of the office of the president of the United States.

Sample questions;

Should the president feel compelled to steer the country based on his ideological ambition(s)?

If so, weren't checks and balances put in place to neutralize these impulses?

Is the office of the presidency best left to those who believe it is about stewardship and not about personal ambition?

Should the president strive to ensure liberty and freedom for all lawful Americans? Or, should the president be more concerned about 'equality', or, 'diversity'?

Just askin'.; 6/21/11, 7:48 PM
Brian Brown said...: Texas school districts have some of the highest advanced placement scores and some of the best college admission records. A cut in the education budget might affect that.

Alternatively,
since there is zero correlation between educational spending and educational achievement, likely not.; 6/21/11, 8:09 PM
Michael said...: Ankur: Couldn't find the 27Bil shortfall number for the two year period you indicate in the report. Help, please.; 6/21/11, 8:17 PM
Michael K said...: However, I heard this morning that he's from the Bush/McCain school of thought on (illegal) immigration. So I might have to give it some more thought.

- Lyssa

Lyssa, you need to understand that Texas funds its government from sales tax. That forces illegals to pay the same as legal residents. California funds its government from income tax which is easily evaded. It doesn't matter much that there are lots of illegals in Texas. State services are low and the sales tax means that illegals pay their share. That was the situation when the immigrants came to Ellis Island in 1900.

The situation is entirely different for those states that subsidize illegals.; 6/21/11, 8:18 PM
RobertW said...: deborah said
what did you think of Perry trying to mandate the HPV vaccine for girls?

Didn't like it. He issued an executive order in Feb, 2007, that parents could opt out of. Later the congress passed a bill to rescind it in May, 2007.

txrxqa said
So much pablum from the press, I think.

I meant the office of governor. Lieutenant Governor has more power. Governor can't pardon without approval of Board of Pardons and Paroles for one thing. Perry is very popular and does have a lot of influence. He's still a politician, though, and power corrupts.

In the primaries I wanted Debra Medina to win, but that failed after Glen Beck's hit piece on her.
http://www.dailypaul.com/125036/transcript-of-the-medina-beck-9-11-truth-discussion.
I was not very political before I retired. Started reading here during the Madison occupation.

The weather in Houston is hot and humid, but we do get an occasional hurricane to cool things down.; 6/21/11, 8:19 PM
LilEvie said...: Perry is not what you think. He just signed a radical animal rights law that will put almost every hobby dog breeder in Texas under a commercial license/inspection/high regulated regime -- why? Because some of his rich backers are animal rights whackjobs.
He is a D going back to his roots.
He lucked into a state with a great economy and still couldn't keep the budget in line.; 6/21/11, 8:30 PM
Anonymous said...: Michael K, that's a good point that I hadn't thought of (but should have, coming from a fellow sales tax funded state). But I have to ask how that translates to a national policy by a President Perry. Not writing him off, but I'm still inclined to reserve judgment until I hear him address it to my satisfaction.

- Lyssa; 6/21/11, 8:33 PM
Matt said...: LilEvie said...

[Perry] is a D going back to his roots.

Wow, that is hilarious. Perry is what any sensible person in the the US would call a conservative. To claim he is a secret Democrat because he supports animal rights can only lead me to believe that a true Republican [in your mind] must be someone who wears the fur of endangered species, runs over puppy dogs in a pick-up truck and breaks horses legs just for the fun of it.; 6/21/11, 8:39 PM
Titus said...: Isn't he a downlow gay?

Not that there is anything wrong with that.; 6/21/11, 8:51 PM
Anonymous said...: " I meant the office of governor. Lieutenant Governor has more power. "

Still not buying into this assertion.

(Maybe you should contrast just what the Lt. Gov can do in contrast with the gov and give a weight-factor to each 'can-do' starting with 100 points for the ability to sign/veto legislative bills for the governor.)

Signing/vetoing bills and the 'power of the bully pulpit' (as Gov.) still represents the highest 'power' a politician may wield in the state, ahead of the speaker of the house and the President (Lt Gov) of the Senate, regardless of continued assertions to the contrary.

Just to be complete, Texas Senate Leadership:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Senate#Leadership

On the governor, wickedpedia says:
"Compared to the governors of other U.S. states, the Governorship of Texas is often cited as a fairly weak office. In some respects it is the Lieutenant Governor of Texas, who presides over the state legislature, who is a more powerful political figure able to exercise greater personal prerogatives."

Per:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor_of_Texas

Note the "greater personal prerogatives" part.

Duties, per State of Tx:
http://www.governor.state.tx.us/about/duties/

_Jim; 6/21/11, 9:02 PM
crosspatch said...: Thing is, I am not sure how much of the Texas story is Perry and how much of it is the Texas legislature and the Texans themselves.

I kinda get the impression that Perry might just be along for the ride.; 6/21/11, 9:05 PM
Anonymous said...: LilEvie said: "[Perry] is a D going back to his roots."

Matt said:

"Wow, that is hilarious. Perry is what any sensible person in the the US would call a conservative. To claim he is a secret Democrat because he supports animal rights can only lead me to believe that a ..."

You do realize, that once upon a time Texas was majority democrat?

That has changed in the +30 years I have been a resident ... we have had many 'converts' to Republican in that time, including my rep, US Rep Ralph Hall.

_Jim; 6/21/11, 9:07 PM
somefeller said...: I've said before on this site that Rick Perry is someone to watch. He's a likeable person in retail campaigning contexts (I've met him a couple of times, and while I'm not a fan politically, he has real skills in working a room) and whether you think Texas has prospered because of him or in spite of him, he has a story to tell.; 6/21/11, 9:09 PM
Fen said...: Still not buying into this assertion

Its true. I used to work for Lt Gov Hobby, so I know where the power is.

Wasn't always this way. But when the GOP started rountinely winning the Governership, the Dems shifted most of the power to the office of the LtGov.; 6/21/11, 9:17 PM
somefeller said...: Its true. I used to work for Lt Gov Hobby, so I know where the power is.

Yikes! Does he know what's become of you? I kid. I've gotten to know Gov. Hobby in his post-electoral life, and you worked for a giant.; 6/21/11, 9:25 PM
Fen said...: Yikes! Does he know what's become of you? I kid.

Ha. Yes, I was a liberal Dem back then. Some of us evolve ;)

I've gotten to know Gov. Hobby in his post-electoral life, and you worked for a giant.

Something we can agree on!; 6/21/11, 9:35 PM
Anonymous said...: Fen said:

"Its true. I used to work for Lt Gov Hobby, so I know where the power is."

Assertion without cite; sans any logos even as to why ...

By your logic, then, I could make the argument that Harry Reid has more power than the president; except this one has found a way around the Senate via 'Czars'.

Actually, this whole argument is absurd; we're talking legislative branch vs executive branch (Lt. Gov position for all practical purposes is legislative, unless the governor 'flatlines'); legislation must pass from house - senate - gov in any case to become effective.

_Jim; 6/21/11, 9:40 PM
Fen said...: *shrug*

Not going to argue with you. Don't need to. I was there.; 6/21/11, 9:47 PM
Steven said...: @Don't Tread 2012

The thing here is that Perry's performance at a Federal level cannot be predicted from his state performance because the President has far fewer checks on his discretion than the Governor of Texas.

You could put Obama in the Texas Governor's Mansion for a term and the results would be largely the same. The executive budget would be ignored in favor of the Legislative Budget Board submission, the same powerful Lieutenant Governor and and Speaker of the House that jointly control the LBB would use their massive legislative power to push it through the Senate and House, and then it would be dumped on the governor's desk.

Governor Obama might veto it, but then he'd either get overridden or get a near-identical bill dumped on his desk again. The result would be 95% identical to what finally gets passed under Perry.

Oh, if you let Obama in for several terms, he'd wind up filling a bunch of the appointed boards, and you'd see some policy changes percolate through as a result. But just one? Texas could chew that up and spit it out.; 6/21/11, 10:51 PM
Penny said...: Robert said...

"The governor does have the "bully pulpit" to bring issues to the public but may not have the power make it happen."

Sounds precisely like the experience President Obama notched over the last four years.; 6/21/11, 11:24 PM
Penny said...: Rather odd though that we are here commenting on Perry's POTENTIAL run for President of the United States, without commenting on today's newest Republican contender, Huntsman?

Oh well. I guess we'll just follow along with Althouse for now.; 6/21/11, 11:32 PM
Kev said...: - Texans. From a westerner's point of view, Texans are more southern than western. And, indeed, they all wear hats and boots now, as do the Mexicans.

Oh, please. That's as much of a tired, old stereotype as "All Alaskans live in igloos" or "All Wisconsinites wear giant plastic cheese on their heads." This 32-year Texan hasn't owned a hat or boots since childhood.

That has changed in the +30 years I have been a resident ... we have had many 'converts' to Republican in that time, including my rep, US Rep Ralph Hall.

Jim, we must be practically neighbors. I'm in Sam Johnson's district, but I'm within a 15-minute drive of Hall's.; 6/22/11, 12:48 AM
Ralph L said...: Don't Tread 2012 said...
Economic literacy, the Edsel, ceiling wax,....
Aren't you taking the "Don't Tread" business a little too far? It really is safer to walk on the floor.; 6/22/11, 2:21 AM
RobertW said...: txrxqa said (regarding the power of a Texas governor)
"Still not buying into this assertion."

Your argument is a two edged sword. Remember how Bush was blamed for everything that happened in Texas no matter if it was judicial or legislative? It always caused me to wince when I heard Texas called "Bush's Texas", even though I supported Bush.

LilEvie said
He [Perry] is a D going back to his roots.

Interesting, never thought of that.
I know, until recently, you had to vote in the D primary to have a choice, since many, many positions ran unopposed. (In Tex a registered R can vote in the D's primary. By doing that you could not vote in the R's.)

I guess, going forward, Perry has to stand or fall on his on abilities to convince people he is the better candidate. He can give a good speech.; 6/22/11, 6:37 AM
Hoosier Daddy said...: "...You mean the same Rick Perry who railed against the stimulus package that helped balance his state's budget? Yeah, hypocrisy works for him.."

Thats ok Matt. You can vote for President Nobel Peace prize who promised to end the wars and managed to mire us in a third one.

You were saying something about hypocrisy?; 6/22/11, 8:12 AM
Known Unknown said...: To be honest, Perry sounds way too much like Bush. I'm talking about his actual voice and inflections.; 6/22/11, 9:29 AM
Scott M said...: Perry sounds way too much like Bush. I'm talking about his actual voice and inflections.

I hadn't heard him speak yet, but I was hoping against this. For the twang reason alone, I was glade Barber didn't decide to run. I'm all for personal character and competence, but electability is the main ruler at the end of the day, unfortunately. I don't think another white guy with a twang has a chance this time around.; 6/22/11, 9:32 AM
ken in tx said...: Texas is the most American state. I love it. I have relatives whose homestead is located on what is now Fort Hood. A family grave yard is still there and maintained by the Army, I have been told. As for climate, Texas is a microcosm of the US. You can have a tropical storm in Brownsville, and a snow storm in Wichita Falls. East Texas looks like Alabama. West Texas looks like Mexico. Del Rio is one of those places that you know no body went there on purpose, they just got that far and couldn’t go any farther. It’s not the end of the world but you can see it from there. Even so, I still love Texas. Especially the pretty girls in their frilly dresses in the German Mex-Tex oompah band nightclubs around New Braunfels.; 6/22/11, 11:19 AM
Clyde said...: The fact that his accent sounds like Dubya's and would drive the liberals crazy is just gravy.; 6/22/11, 1:12 PM