Even if Perry's campaign fails, his hold on state power likely won't

By R.G. Ratcliffe

Even as Gov. Rick Perry's presidential campaign works to get back on track, some are beginning to question whether his ability to govern in Texas will suffer if he returns home in defeat.

"He was in control of Texas government like no governor before," said Southern Methodist University political scientist Cal Jillson. "Then he goes out there and barely gets across the Red River before he tips over and embarrasses himself time and again, taking the edge off the respect tending toward fear of him in Texas politics. A good deal of that may be gone if he does come back." ...