In Heat of Contest, Incumbent Is Cool .
SMU Political Scientist Cal Jillson talks about the Texas governor's race.
By Ana Campoy
DALLAS — Rick Perry, Texas's telegenic Republican governor, is facing an election challenge by a well-funded Democrat. He hardly seems to have noticed.
Mr. Perry is as likely to attack President Barack Obama on the stump as he is his actual opponent, Democrat Bill White, a former Houston mayor. He didn't even show up at the two gubernatorial debates, leaving Mr. White plenty of air time to attack his policies. (Gov. Perry vowed not to debate until Mr. White released tax returns predating his mayoralty; Mr. White said his opponent had no right to set such conditions.)
So far, the strategy seems to be working for Mr. Perry, who already is the longest-serving governor in Texas history and has been whispered about as a possible presidential candidate in 2012, though he has said he isn't planning to run. . . .
Mr. Perry has avoided raising taxes by cutting spending and raising certain fees, and has said that no-tax-increase policy will remain in place if he is re-elected. "In Texas, that's the most important promise you can make," said Cal Jillson, professor of political science at Southern Methodist University.
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