Pretty big news. Of course, I am sure some people (aka nimrods) will say Perry is not going to run because he’s skeeeered of Wendy Davis. Yeah, right. From USA Today:
Texas Gov. Rick Perry said Monday he will not seek re-election next year, bringing an end to a record run as chief executive of the Lone Star State.
“The time has come to pass on the mantle of leadership,” Perry said at a news conference in San Antonio surrounded by hundreds of supporters.
Perry, 63, is already the longest-serving governor in Texas history and has been the Lone Star state’s chief executive since December 2000 when George W. Bush left to become president. Perry’s departure sets up the biggest political shuffle in Texas since he took office.
The Republican was coy during an appearance onFox News Sunday about his future, saying only that another presidential bid was “an option out there.” He also said his attention is more focused now on a special session of the Texas Legislature, as lawmakers consider a ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy that would also close most of the state’s abortion clinics.
Chances are, he’s not going to run for re-election as Governor because he wants to lay down an earlier groundwork to run for President in 2016. What really hurt Perry in 2012 more than anything else was getting into the race too late.
He won’t make that mistake again.