Commentary: Which governor candidate has D.C.'s ear?
SMU Political Science Professor Cal Jillson talks about the battle for influence in Washington between Gov. Rick Perry and challenger Bill White.
By PEGGY FIKAC
HOUSTON CHRONICLE
AUSTIN — How best to keep Texas' border secure will always cause political fights, but you've got to wonder when a Democratic candidate for governor touts readier access to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security than the GOP incumbent asking for help.
Then again, some suggest, maybe you don't have to wonder when the incumbent is Washington-bashing Gov. Rick Perry, under challenge by former Houston mayor Bill White.
“It suggests how bollixed up our relationship with Washington is,” said SMU political scientist Cal Jillson. “I think he (White) was trying to demonstrate that he would have far superior access than Perry does to Washington. But . . . the idea of (White) trying to take over the relationship with Washington at this point is bound to cause him more grief than otherwise.”
As for Perry, Jillson said, “He simply cannot expect to pound Washington day after day, and then get quick and positive returns of his phone calls.”
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