COMMENTARY | When I first heard about Texas Gov. Rick Perry possibly running for president, I thought “Oh, no, another Texan in the White House.” But then I read that he successfully balanced the budget in Texas without raising taxes. I’m sold. Still reeling from this roller coaster ride called the stock market, I am on board if anyone even thinks they can balance America’s out-of-control budget.
But will he gain the support of fellow Republicans and win the nomination? Yes, because he is singing the tune Americans want to hear: Keep spending and taxes low. Perry may be the most conservative of all the candidates running at this point, but that’s what happens when you have a liberal president whose approval ratings are low. The pendulum turns; Republicans know it and want to capitalize on the momentum.
Perry Could Become a Tea Party Favorite
Watch out, Michele Bachmann. Apparently the Minnesota congresswoman is already strategizing with her staff should Perry become a strong contender, according to The Associated Press. Mitt Romney could also be feeling the pressure. But the two are completely different in terms of experience. While Perry has held public office for the past 27 years and never had a job in the private sector, Romney’s platform is based on the fact that he is a successful businessman.
The Texas Governor Created Jobs During a Recession
It’s still up in the air how responsible Perry himself is for bringing new jobs to Texas, but the point is he did it. And that will win over a lot of voters. You could say that Texas has a long history of being pro-business, with or without Perry. And Bush campaigned on many of the same ideals. But one thing is clear: Other states cannot boast a balanced budget — Texas can.
Perry is Pro-Business
Already syndicated television host Kevin McCullough is predicting the Texas governor will be the next president. And he cites Perry’s pro-business stance as one of the reasons. Businesses have flocked to Texas at the expense of other states like California. If he can do it for the Lone Star State, why can’t he do it for the United States of America?
Simply being pro-business and anti-big government isn’t enough to win the Republican nomination. But Perry seems to have backers in different sectors of the Republican Party. McCullough also predicted Obama would win in 2008. Could he be right this time too?