Perry, in Austin, Previews National Campaign Message
SMU Political Science Professor Cal Jillson talks about Perry's rhetoric as the Texas governor considers a run for the GOP nomination for president.
By Ben Philpott
Gov. Rick Perry made three stops around Austin on Monday, previewing the political message that will likely dominate his presidential campaign if he decides to run.
Perry first spoke to a police association about border security. From there, he announced 300 new jobs coming to Austin and touted the state's regulatory climate. He then signed a new law he says will lower the state's Medicaid costs.
Federal overreach is "sustained by this unguided notion that Washington knows best about everything," Perry said. "Well, in Texas we know better."
That's the message Perry will take to the national stage if he runs for president. "He'll talk in terms of Texas success and the Texas model being something the nation should pay attention to — even though he won't leave Austin," says Cal Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University.
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