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5 'And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them. In truth I tell you, they have had their reward.
{{See also|Rick Perry presidential campaign, 2012}}
{{Infobox Officeholder
|birthname = James Richard Perry
|image = Rick Perry by Gage Skidmore 4.jpg
|caption=Rick Perry in October 2011.
|image_size=220px
|order = [[List of Governors of Texas|47th]]
|office = Governor of Texas
|lieutenant = [[Bill Ratliff]] <small>(2000–03)</small><br>[[David Dewhurst]] <small>(since 2003)</small>
|term_start = December 21, 2000
|term_end =
|predecessor = [[George W. Bush]]
|successor =
|order2 = [[List of lieutenant governors of Texas|39th]]
|office2 = Lieutenant Governor of Texas
|term_start2 = January 19, 1999
|term_end2 = December 21, 2000
|governor2 = George W. Bush
|predecessor2 = [[Bob Bullock]]
|successor2 = [[Bill Ratliff]]
|office3 = [[Texas Department of Agriculture#Commissioners of the Department of Agriculture|9th]] [[Texas Department of Agriculture|Commissioner of Agriculture of Texas]]
|governor3 = [[Ann Richards]]<br>George W. Bush
|term_start3 = January 15, 1991
|term_end3 = January 19, 1999
|predecessor3 = [[Jim Hightower]]
|successor3 = [[Susan Combs]]
|office4 = Member of the [[Texas House of Representatives|House of Representatives of Texas]]<br>from [[Texas House of Representatives, District 64|District 64]]
|term_start4 = 1985
|term_end4 = 1991
|predecessor4 = Joe Hanna
|successor4 = John Cook
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1950|3|4}}
|birth_place = [[Paint Creek, Texas]]
|residence = West Austin, Texas<br /><small>(Temporary residence since 2007, during repairs to the [[Texas Governor's Mansion]])</small><ref>{{Cite news|title=Rent will run about $10,000 a month for house on Hickory Creek Drive.|url=http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/09/27/0927house.html|date=September 27, 2007|first=W. Gardner|last=Selby|work=[[Austin American-Statesman]]|first2=Shonda|last2=Novak|separator=,|lastauthoramp=yes|postscript=|accessdate=May 19, 2011}}</ref>
|spouse = [[Anita Thigpen Perry|Anita Thigpen]]
|children = Griffin<br>Sydney
|alma_mater = [[Texas A&M University]] <small>([[Bachelor of Science|B.S.]])</small>
|party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]] <small>(since 1989)</small><br />[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] <small>(until 1989)</small>
|profession = [[United States Military|Military Officer]]<br>[[Farmer]]<br>[[Politician]]
|religion = [[Christianity]] ([[Evangelicalism|evangelical]]) <ref name=Statesman>{{cite web|last=Joshunda Sanders|first=Jason Embry|title=Candidates attending more than one church|url=http://www.statesman.com/news/texas-politics/governors_race/candidates-mirror-population-in-attending-more-than-one-1009306.html|publisher=Statesman|accessdate=20 August 2011}}</ref>
|signature = Rick Perry signature.svg
|branch = [[United States Air Force]]
|serviceyears = 1972–1977
|battles =
|rank = [[Captain (land)|Captain]]
|website=[http://www.governor.state.tx.us/ www.governor.state.tx.us]
| footnotes = <div style="text-align:center; background:#980202; width:100%; vertical-align:middle; color:#FFF; font-size:0.85em; vertical-align: top; text-align: center; white-space:nowrap;" class="table-no" >'''This article is part of a series about<br>Rick Perry'''</div>
<div style="text-align:center; font-size:0.85em; padding:0.5em 0;">[[Rick Perry presidential campaign, 2012|2012 presidential campaign]]<br />
[[Governorship of Rick Perry|Governor of Texas]]</div>
}}
'''James Richard''' "'''Rick'''" '''Perry''' (born March 4, 1950) is the [[List of Governors of Texas|47th and current]] [[Governor of Texas]].


6 But when you pray, go to your private room, shut yourself in, and so pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
A [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]], Perry was elected [[Lieutenant Governor of Texas]] in 1998 and assumed the governorship in December 2000 when then-governor [[George W. Bush]] resigned to become [[President of the United States]]. Perry was elected to full [[gubernatorial]] terms in 2002, 2006 and 2010. With a tenure in office to date of {{age in years and days|2000|12|21}}, Perry is the longest continuously serving [[List of current United States governors|current U.S. governor]], and the second longest serving current U.S. governor after [[Terry Branstad]] of Iowa. Perry served as Chairman of the [[Republican Governors Association]] in 2008 (succeeding [[Sonny Perdue]] of [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]) and again in 2011.<ref name="rga.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.rga.org/homepage/rga-announces-new-leadership/ |title=RGA Announces New Leadership |publisher=Republican Governors Association |date=2010-11-18 |accessdate=2011-03-26}}</ref> Perry is the longest serving governor in Texas state history. As a result, he is the only governor in modern Texas history to have appointed at least one person to every eligible state office, board, or commission position (as well as to several elected offices to which the governor can appoint someone to fill an unexpired term, such as six of the nine current members of the [[Texas Supreme Court]]).


7 'In your prayers do not babble as the gentiles do, for they think that by using many words they will make themselves heard.
Perry won the Texas 2010 Republican gubernatorial [[primary election]], defeating [[United States Senate|U.S. Senator]] [[Kay Bailey Hutchison]] and former [[Wharton County, Texas|Wharton County]] Republican Party Chairwoman and businesswoman [[Debra Medina]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://elections.nytimes.com/2010/governor/texas |title=Texas Governor Profile |accessdate=August 18, 2011|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In the [[Texas gubernatorial election, 2010|2010 Texas gubernatorial election]], Perry won a third term by defeating former [[Houston]] mayor [[Bill White (politician)|Bill White]] and Kathie Glass.<ref name="TX Governor Race - Nov 02, 2010">{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=404248 |title=TX Governor Race - Nov 02, 2010 |publisher=Our Campaigns |date= |accessdate=2010-09-04}}</ref>


8 Do not be like them; your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
On August 13, 2011, Perry announced in [[South Carolina]] that he was running for the [[Republican Party (United States) presidential primaries, 2012|Republican nomination]] for [[President of the United States]] in the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 presidential election]].


matthew 6 5-8
== Early life, education, and military service==
A fifth-generation Texan, Perry was born in [[Paint Creek, Texas|Paint Creek]], about {{convert|60|mi|km}} north of [[Abilene, Texas|Abilene]] in [[West Texas]], to [[rancher]]s Joseph Ray Perry and the former Amelia June Holt. Perry's ancestry is almost entirely [[English-American|English]], going back to the original thirteen colonies. His family has been in Texas since before the Texan Revolution.<ref>http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~battle/celeb/perry.htm</ref><ref>http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Perry/Ancestry.php</ref><ref>http://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Perry</ref>

His father, a [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]], was a long-time [[Haskell County, Texas|Haskell County]] commissioner and [[school board]] member. Perry has said that his interest in politics probably began in November 1961, when his father took him to the funeral of U.S. Representative [[Sam Rayburn]] (D-TX),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pressherald.com/opinion/texas-perry-might-surprise-obama-in-2012_2011-06-05.html |title=Richard L. Connor: Texas' Perry might surprise Obama in 2012|work=[[Maine Sunday Telegram]]|date=June 5,2011 |accessdate=August 18, 2011}}</ref> who during his long public career served as [[Speaker (politics)|speaker]] of the Texas House for a short time at the age of 29 and then later for 17 years as the [[Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives]].

Perry was in the [[Boy Scouts of America|Boy Scouts]] (BSA) and earned the rank of [[Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)|Eagle Scout]]; his son, Griffin, would later become an Eagle Scout as well.<ref name="bio">{{cite web |url=http://www.governor.state.tx.us/about|title=Texas Governor Rick Perry|publisher=Office of the Governor |accessdate=2006-11-08}}</ref><ref name="perryCNSNEWS">{{cite web |url=http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200802/CUL20080211b.html |title= Texas Governor Urges Protection for Boy Scouts of America |last=Lucas |first=Fred |publisher=[[Cybercast News Service]] |date=February 11, 2008|archivedate=May 18, 2008 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080518183709/http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200802/CUL20080211b.html|accessdate=August 12, 2011}}</ref> The BSA has honored Perry with the [[Distinguished Eagle Scout Award]].<ref name="PerryDESA">{{cite web |url=http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/02-529.pdf |title=Distinguished Eagle Scout Award |publisher=[[Boy Scouts of America]] |accessdate=2010-11-04}}</ref>

Perry graduated from [[Paint Creek Independent School District|Paint Creek High School]] in 1968. He then attended [[Texas A&M University]], where he was a member of the [[Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets|Corps of Cadets]], a member of the [[Alpha Gamma Rho]] fraternity, was elected senior class social secretary, and was also elected as one of A&M's five [[Aggie Yell Leaders|yell leaders]] (a popular Texas A&M tradition analogous to male cheerleaders).<ref name=time20090125>{{cite news |last=Hylton |first=Hilary |url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1873143,00.html |title=Bush Returns to a Divided Texas Republican Party |work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=2009-01-25}}</ref> Perry graduated in 1972 with a [[Bachelor of Science]] in [[animal science]]<ref name=TranscriptHuffpo>{{cite web|first=Jason Cherkis|title=Rick Perry's College Transcript: A Lot Of Cs And Ds|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/05/rick-perry-college-transcript_n_919357.html|publisher=Huffington Post|date=5 August 2011|accessdate=12 November 2011}}</ref> with a 2.5 GPA.<ref name=aggiestime>{{cite news |last=Hooks |first=Chris |url=http://www.texastribune.org/texas-people/rick-perry/perry-aggie-years/ |title=Texas A&M Years Launched Perry — and a Rivalry |work=[[The Texas Tribune]]|location=Austin|date=August 2, 2011 |accessdate=August 7, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Trivia question: Which presidential candidate has a degree in economics?|url=http://caucuses.desmoinesregister.com/2011/09/21/trivia-question-which-presidential-candidate-has-a-degree-in-economics/|date=September 21, 2011|first=Jennifer |last=Jacobs|work=[[The Des Moines Register]]|accessdate=November 12, 2011}}</ref>

Perry said that the Corps of Cadets gave him the discipline to complete his animal sciences degree and earn a commission in the [[United States Air Force|Air Force]]. In a 1989 interview he said that "I was probably a bit of a free spirit, not particularly structured real well for life outside of a military regime, I would have not lasted at [[Texas Tech]] or the [[University of Texas]]. I would have hit the fraternity scene and lasted about one semester."<ref name=aggiestime/> Perry was a prankster in college: he once placed live chickens in the closet of an upperclassman during Christmas break and used [[M-80 (explosive)|M-80 firecrackers]] to prank students using the toilet.<ref name=aggiestime/>

In the early 1970s, Perry interned during several summers with the [[Southwestern Company]], as a door-to-door book salesman. "I count my time working for Dortch Oldham [President of the Southwestern Company] as one of the most important formative experiences of my life," Perry said in 2010. "There is nothing that tests your commitment to a goal like getting a few doors closed in your face." He said that "Mr. Oldham taught legions of young people to communicate quickly, clearly and with passion, a lesson that has served me well in my life since then."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nashvillepost.com/news/2009/2/27/dortch_oldham_dies_at_89 |title=Dortch Oldham dies at 89 |accessdate=2010-12-02 |last=Wood |first=E. Thomas |date=2009-02-27 |publisher=[[NashvillePost.com]]}}</ref>

Upon graduation in 1972, Perry was commissioned in the Air Force, completed pilot training, and flew [[C-130]] [[tactical airlift]] in the United States, the Middle East, and Europe until 1977. He left the Air Force with the rank of [[Captain (United States)#USAF|captain]], returned to Texas, and went into business farming cotton with his father.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usglc.org/2011/08/12/rick-perry/ |title=Candidates' Corner 2012- Rick Perry |publisher=U.S. Global Leadership Coalition &#124; American Foreign Policy & Foreign Affairs - Usglc.org |date=August 13, 2011 |accessdate=August 18, 2011}}</ref>

==Early political career==
=== Texas Legislature ===
In 1984, Perry was elected to the [[Texas House of Representatives]] as a [[U.S. Democratic Party|Democrat]] from district 64, which included his home county of [[Haskell County, Texas|Haskell]]. He served on the House Appropriations and Calendars committees during his three two-year terms in office. He befriended fellow freshman state representative [[Lena Guerrero]] of [[Austin]], a staunch [[Liberalism|liberal]] Democrat who endorsed Perry's reelection bid in 2006 on personal, rather than philosophical, grounds.

Perry was part of the "Pit Bulls", a group of Appropriations members who sat on the lower dais in the committee room (or "pit") who pushed for austere state budgets during the 1980s.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2011/07/rick-perry-presidential-race-former-democrat/1 |title=GOP's Rick Perry spent early years as a Democrat |first=Catalina |last=Camia |work=USA Today |date=July 15, 2011 |accessdate=August 18, 2011}}</ref> At one point, ''[[The Dallas Morning News]]'' named him one of the ten most effective members of the legislature.<ref>{{cite web |title=71st Legislature, 6th C.S., HR63. |url=http://www.lrl.state.tx.us/scanned/members/honorary/71/Perry_Rick_HR63.pdf |year=1990 |publisher=Legislative Reference Library of Texas |accessdate=August 13, 2011}}</ref>

In 1987, Perry voted for a $5.7 billion tax increase proposed by Republican governor [[Bill Clements]].<ref>Jay Root, [http://www.texastribune.org/texas-politics/2012-presidential-election/rick-perry-democrat-years/ Rick Perry: The Democrat Years] ''[[The Texas Tribune]]'' July 14, 2011.</ref> Perry supported [[Al Gore]] in the [[Democratic Party (United States) presidential primaries, 1988|1988 Democratic presidential primaries]] and worked in an unspecified capacity for Gore's campaign in Texas.<ref>http://www.politifact.com/texas/article/2011/sep/07/perry-backed-gore-did-not-lead-his-texas-campaign/</ref> In 1989, Perry announced that he was [[Party switching in the United States|switching parties]], becoming a Republican.<ref>[http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/politics/state/stories/022110dnpol50thingsperry.1320b32fa.html "50 Things You need to Know about Governor Rick Perry"] ''[[Dallas Morning News]]'' February 19, 2010.</ref>

=== Agriculture Commissioner ===
In 1990, as a newly minted Republican, Perry challenged [[Jim Hightower]], the [[incumbent]] Democratic [[Texas Agriculture Commissioner|Agriculture Commissioner]]. Hightower had worked on behalf of [[Jesse Jackson]] for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988, while Perry had supported [[U.S. Senator]] [[Al Gore]] of [[Tennessee]].

During 1990, Hightower's office was embroiled in a FBI investigation into corruption and bribery. Three aides were convicted in 1993 of using public funds for political fundraising, although Hightower himself was not found to be involved in the wrongdoings.<ref>[http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl/1993_1166833/three-ex-aides-to-hightower-are-sentenced.html Three ex-aides to Hightower are sentenced] [[Houston Chronicle]]. November 11, 1993</ref> Perry narrowly defeated Hightower in November 1990.

As Agriculture Commissioner, Perry was responsible for promoting the sale of Texas farm produce to other states and foreign nations, and for supervising the calibration of weights and measures, such as [[gasoline]] pumps and [[grocery store]] scales.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.agr.state.tx.us/agr/main_render/0,1968,1848_8330_0_0,00.html?channelId=8330 |title=What is the Texas Department of Agriculture?|publisher=Texas Department of Agriculture|accessdate=August 18, 2011}}</ref>

In April 1993, Perry, while serving as Texas agriculture commissioner, expressed support for the effort to reform the nation's health care, describing it as "most commendable".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.politifact.com/texas/statements/2011/sep/24/ron-paul/ron-paul-says-rick-perry-wrote-letter-supporting-h/|title=Ron Paul says Rick Perry wrote a letter supporting Hillarycare|date=September 24, 2011|work=[[Austin American-Statesman]] / [[PolitiFact.com]]|accessdate=October 18, 2011|first=Meghan|last=Ashford-Grooms}}</ref> The health care plan, first revealed in September, was ultimately [[Clinton health care plan of 1993#Defeat|unsuccessful]] due to Republican congressional opposition.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Perry-letter-commending-Hillary-Clinton-found-1914428.phpa |title=Perry letter commending Hillary Clinton found |date=March 29, 2005|work=Houston Chronicle |author=R.G. Ratcliffe}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aim.org/newswire/tea-party-faithful-wonder-if-rick-perry-walks-the-walk/ |title=Tea Party faithful wonder if Rick Perry walks the walk |publisher=[[Accuracy in Media]]|date=August 10, 2011|accessdate=October 10, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.texastribune.org/texas-politics/2012-presidential-election/perry-social-conservatives-and-the-road-to-the-top/|title=Perry, Social Conservatives and the Road to the Top|date=July 14, 2011 |first=Ross|last=Ramsey |work=The Texas Tribune }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://blog.mysanantonio.com/texas-politics/2009/09/the-video-perrys-campaign-cant-resist-using/ |title=The video Perry's campaign can't resist using |date=September 10, 2009 |first=R.G.|last=Ratcliffe |work=San Antonio Express-News}}</ref><ref>Mark, David. [http://books.google.com/books?id=FVsLGFxrMDIC&pg=PA123&lpg=PA123&dq=perry+clinton+%22health+care%22+commendable&source=bl&ots=GvDfvHl-R0&sig=MJ6bTHIaoXKI4jjTl5tDWaMRnJE&hl=en&ei=bi5cTpOxCoq1sQL9p7EV&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CFEQ6AEwCDgU#v=onepage&q&f=false ''Going dirty: the Art of Negative Campaigning'']. p. 127.</ref> In 2005, after being questioned on the issue by a potential opponent in the Republican governor primary, Perry said that he expressed his support only in order to get Clinton to pay more attention to rural health care.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Perry-says-Hutchison-Clinton-video-politics-as-1660157.php|title=Perry says Hutchison-Clinton video politics as usual |date=March 30, 2005 |work=Houston Chronicle |first=R.G.|last=Ratcliffe}}</ref>

In 1994, Perry was reelected Agriculture Commissioner by a large margin, getting 2,546,287 votes (62 percent) to Democrat Marvin Gregory's 1,479,692 (36 percent). [[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarian]] Clyde L. Garland received the remaining 85,836 votes (2 percent).<ref name="1994 General Election">http://elections.sos.state.tx.us/</ref> Gregory, a chicken farmer from [[Sulphur Springs, Texas]], was on the [[Texas Agricultural Finance Authority]] with Perry in the early nineties, as a Republican. He became a Democrat before running against Perry in 1994.<ref>{{cite news |work=Texas Monthly |month=September|year=2011|url=http://www.texasmonthly.com/2011-09-01/feature7.php|title=The Great Campaigner|first=Mimi|last=Swartz}}</ref>

=== Lieutenant Governor ===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File: Rick Perry inauguration as Texas' 39th Lieutenant Governor.jpg|thumb|Inaugural festivities on January 19, 1999, Perry (as Lieutenant Governor) with then-Texas House Speaker Pete Laney]] -->
In 1998, Perry chose not to seek a third term as Agriculture Commissioner, running instead for [[Lieutenant Governor of Texas|Lieutenant Governor]] to succeed the retiring Democrat [[Bob Bullock]]. During this election, Rick Perry had a notable [[Feud between Karl Rove and Rick Perry|falling out]] with his previous top political strategist [[Karl Rove]], which began the much-reported rivalry between the [[George W. Bush|Bush]] and Perry camps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/59687.html |title=POLITICO: If Rick Perry gets in, will Karl Rove be out? |date= |accessdate=2010-09-10}}</ref> Perry polled 1,858,837 votes (50.04 percent) to the 1,790,106 (48.19 percent) cast for Democrat [[John Sharp (Texas politician)|John Sharp]] of [[Victoria, Texas|Victoria]], who had relinquished the [[Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts|Comptroller's]] position after two terms to seek the lieutenant governorship. [[Libertarian Party of Texas|Libertarian]] Anthony Garcia polled another 65,150 votes (1.75 percent).<ref name="1994 General Election" /> Perry thus became the state's first Republican lieutenant governor since Reconstruction, taking office on January 19, 1999, until he assumed the governorship on December 21, 2000 following the resignation of then-Governor George W. Bush.

== Governor of Texas ==
{{main|Governorship of Rick Perry}}
[[File:FEMA - 16240 - Photograph by Ed Edahl taken on 09-27-2005 in Texas.jpg|thumb|President George W.Bush and Texas Governor Rick Perry shake hands after a queston and answer session at the Port Arthur airport. Port Arthur was hit hard by Hurricane Rita.]]Perry assumed the office of Governor in late 2000, following the resignation of President-elect George W. Bush.<ref name=bio/> He won the office in his own right in the [[Texas gubernatorial election, 2002|2002 gubernatorial election]], where he received 57.80% of votes to businessman [[Tony Sanchez]]'s 39.96%.<ref name="1994 General Election" /> He was re-elected in the [[Texas gubernatorial election, 2006|2006 gubernatorial election]] against three major opponents, polling 39% of votes against runner-up [[Chris Bell (politician)|Chris Bell]] with 29.8%. In the [[Texas gubernatorial election, 2010|2010 gubernatorial election]], Perry became the first Texas governor to be elected to three four-year terms, polling 54.97% of votes to [[Bill White (politician)|Bill White]]'s 42.48%.

In his three gubernatorial campaigns, Perry received hard-money campaign contributions of $102 million, half of which came from 204 donors.<ref>{{Citation | last = Taibbi | first = Matt | author-link = Matt Taibbi | title = Rick Perry: The Best Little Whore In Texas| newspaper = [[Rolling Stone (magazine)|Rolling Stone]] | year = 2011 | date = October 26, 2011| url = http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/rick-perry-the-best-little-whore-in-texas-20111026?page=3 | accessdate = 2011-11-20}}</ref>

In the 2001 legislative session, Perry set a record for his use of the [[veto]], rejecting 82 acts, more than
any other governor in any single legislative session in the history of the state since [[Reconstruction era of the United States|Reconstruction]].<ref name="Vetoes">[http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu/1_4_2.html "The Executive Branch: Budgetary Powers"], ''Texas Politics'', [[University of Texas at Austin]], retrieved June 20, 2011</ref>
<ref name="Vetoes 2">[http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu/1_5_2.html "The Limits of the Veto"], ''Texas Politics'', [[University of Texas at Austin]], retrieved June 20, 2011</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Vetoes — Then and Now|url=http://www.texastribune.org/texas-legislature/82nd-legislative-session/on-the-records-vetoes--then-and-now/|date=June 17, 2011|first=Becca|last=Aaronson|work=[[The Texas Tribune]]|location=Austin|separator=,|postscript=|accessdate=June 20, 2011}}</ref>

===Fiscal policies===
In his presidential campaign, Perry has highlighted the economic success Texas achieved under his governorship, although the true success of his policies has been questioned.<ref>{{cite news |last=Luhby |first=Tami |url=http://money.cnn.com/2011/08/12/news/economy/perry_texas_jobs/ |title=Rick Perry and his Texas jobs boom: The whole story - Aug. 12, 2011 |publisher=[[CNNMoney.com]] |date=August 12, 2011 |accessdate=August 18, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newswest9.com/story/15263295/west-texans-react-to-perrys-presidency-run |title=West Texans React to Perry's Presidency Run|location=Odessa, TX |publisher=[[KWES-TV]]|date=August 13, 2011 |accessdate=August 18, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304259304576375480710070472.html |title=The Lone Star Jobs Surge |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=June 10, 2011 |accessdate=August 18, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Plumer |first=Brad |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/breaking-down-rick-perrys-texas-miracle/2011/08/15/gIQAzRHFHJ_blog.html |title=Breaking down Rick Perry's 'Texas miracle' - Ezra Klein |work=[[The Washington Post]]|date=2011-07-28 |accessdate=August 18, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44164452/ns/business-us_business/ |title=Rick Perry's four economic vulnerabilities - TODAY News - TODAY.com |publisher=Today.msnbc.msn.com |date= |accessdate=August 18, 2011}}</ref><ref name="unmiracle">[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/15/opinion/the-texas-unmiracle.html The Texas Unmiracle] By PAUL KRUGMAN, New York Times, August 14, 2011</ref> A proclaimed proponent of fiscal conservatism, Perry has often campaigned on job growth and tax issues, such as his opposition to creating a state [[income tax]]. Perry refused in 2002 to promise not to raise taxes as governor, and in the following years did propose or approve various tax and debt<ref name="txdot1">{{cite web |author=Texas Department of Transportation (State of Texas) |url=http://www.txdot.gov/project_information/prop12.htm |title=Proposition 12 (General Obligation Bond Projects) |publisher=Txdot.gov |date= |accessdate=2011-10-11}}</ref> increases.<ref name="perrytaxes">Gleckman, Howard (August 16, 2011). [http://www.forbes.com/sites/beltway/2011/08/16/rick-perrys-changing-take-on-raising-taxes/ "Rick Perry's Changing Take On Raising Taxes"]. ''[[Forbes]]''.</ref><ref>[http://www.economist.com/node/10431696 "The Texas pole tax"]. ''[[The Economist]]''. January 3, 2008.</ref><ref>{{cite press release|url=http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/2426/ |title=Gov. Perry Signs Landmark Business Tax Reform |publisher=Office of the Governor |date=May 18, 2006 |accessdate=August 7, 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://www.accountingweb.com/item/102463 "New Texas Margin Tax – Business or Income Tax"]. accountingweb.com. August 16, 2006. Retrieved August 18, 2011.</ref> In 2009, Perry signed [[Grover Norquist]]'s pledge to "oppose and veto any and all efforts to increase taxes".

Texas began borrowing money in 2003 to pay for roads and will owe $17.3 billion by the end of 2012, increasing total state debt, from $13.4 billion in 2001 to $37.8 billion in 2011.<ref>http://blog.chron.com/txpotomac/2011/08/analyzing-rick-perrys-record-texas-transportation-needs-left-behind/</ref> The state's public finance authority sold $2 billion in bonds for unemployment benefits, and it's authorized to sell $1.5 billion more if necessary.
Texas federal borrowing topped $1.6 billion in October 2010, before the bond sales.<ref>http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/07/15/3225103/texas-debt-practices-contradict.html</ref> Texans voted November 8, 2011 for a Water Works Bill with an additional $6 billion of debt and against new tax breaks for landowners.<ref>Galbraith, Kate (November 9, 2011). [http://www.texastribune.org/texas-environmental-news/water-supply/texas-water-propositions-meet-different-fates/ "Texas Water Propositions Meet Different Fates"]. ''Texas Tribune''.</ref> A Republican on the Natural Resources Committee laments “we couldn’t get the votes” which would break Perry's pledge not to raise taxes.<ref>http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-14/water-starved-texas-rice-crops-erode-u-s-harvest-prospects-as-prices-gain.html</ref>

In 2003, Perry signed legislation that created the [[Texas Enterprise Fund]], which has since given $435 million in grants to businesses. The New York Times reported that many of the companies receiving grants, or their chief executives, have made contributions to Perry's campaigns or to the Republican Governors Association.<ref name="Confessore">[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/21/us/politics/21donate.html Perry Mines Texas System to Raise Cash], by Nicholas Confessore and Michael Lu, New York Times, August 20, 2011.</ref>

===Health===

As Governor, Perry has been an outspoken opponent of federal health-care reform proposals and of the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]], describing the latter as "socialism on American soil".<ref name="nyt-healthcare">{{cite news | work = [[New York Times]] | title = G.O.P. Candidates’ Stances on Health Care Mask Their Records as Governors | first = Kevin | last = Sack | accessdate = September 12, 2011 | date = September 3, 2011 | url = http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/04/us/politics/04governors.html}}</ref> Perry's focus in Texas has been on [[tort reform]], signing a bill in 2003 which restricted non-economic damages in [[medical malpractice]] judgments.<ref>{{cite news | last = Blumenthal | first = Ralph | url = http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/15/us/malpractice-suits-capped-at-750000-in-texas-vote.html | title = Malpractice Suits Capped at $750,000 in Texas Vote | work = [[New York Times]] | date = September 15, 2003}}</ref> Perry has touted this approach in his Presidential campaign, although independent analysts have concluded that it has failed to increase the supply of physicians or limit health-care costs in Texas.<ref name="nyt-healthcare"/><ref name="cost-curve">{{cite web | publisher = [[Social Science Research Network]] | author = Paik, Myungho; Black, Bernard S.; Hyman, David A.; Silver, Charles M. | title = Will Tort Reform Bend the Cost Curve? Evidence from Texas | url = http://ssrn.com/abstract=1635882 | date = July 16, 2010 | accessdate = September 12, 2011}}</ref>

During Perry's governorship, Texas rose from second to first among states with the highest proportion of uninsured residents at 26%, and has the lowest level of access to prenatal care.<ref name="nyt-healthcare"/> Perry and the Republican-led state legislature have cut [[Medicaid]] spending and made it more difficult to enroll in the program, which currently covers one-third of Texas children.<ref name="nyt-healthcare"/> The cost of caring for uninsured Texans has been borne by those with insurance, leading to substantial rises in insurance premiums and leading Texas to rank next-to-last among states in terms of affordability of health insurance.<ref name="la-times-healthcare">{{cite news | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | title = Texas healthcare system withering under Gov. Perry | first = Noam | last = Levey | date = September 8, 2011 | accessdate = September 12, 2011 | url = http://articles.latimes.com/2011/sep/08/nation/la-na-perry-healthcare-20110908}}</ref> The ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' wrote that under Perry, "working Texans increasingly have been priced out of private healthcare while the state's safety net has withered."<ref name="la-times-healthcare">{{cite news | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | title = Texas healthcare system withering under Gov. Perry | first = Noam | last = Levey | date = September 8, 2011 | accessdate = September 12, 2011 | url = http://articles.latimes.com/2011/sep/08/nation/la-na-perry-healthcare-20110908}}</ref>

Perry's office has argued that Texas represents a model private-sector approach to health-care. His spokeswoman stated that "Texas does provide an adequate safety net to those truly in need... and many individuals simply choose not to purchase healthcare coverage."<ref name="la-times-healthcare"/>

Perry is [[pro-life]] and has signed multiple bills creating new rules or restrictions for [[abortion]] procedures and funding for such.<ref name="lifenews1">{{cite web|url=http://www.lifenews.com/2011/07/26/rick-perry-gets-a-grade-on-abortion-from-texas-pro-life-groups/ |title=Rick Perry Gets A Grade on Abortion From Texas Pro-Life Groups |publisher=LifeNews.com |date=2011-06-10 |accessdate=August 7, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=July 21st, 2011 |url=http://www.catholictide.com/21/texas-gov-rick-perry-signs-bill-de-funding-planned-parenthood/ |title=Texas Gov. Rick Perry Signs Bill De-Funding Planned Parenthood |publisher=Catholic Tide |date=2011-07-21 |accessdate=August 7, 2011}}</ref> These bills include a May 2010 law requiring that a [[sonogram]] be performed prior to every abortion, and that the practitioner discuss the sonogram images with the patient except in limited cases where the patient may waive the explanation.<ref>[http://www.allheadlinenews.com/briefs/articles/90038375 Texas House passes abortion-ultrasound bill without exceptions | AHN<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.statesman.com/news/texas-politics/democrats-derail-sonogram-bill-at-least-for-a-1294019.html Democrats derail sonogram bill, at least for a day<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.lifenews.com/2011/05/20/texas-gov-rick-perry-signs-ultrasound-before-abortion-bill/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lifenews%2Fnewsfeed+%28LifeNews.com%29 |title=Texas Gov. Rick Perry Signs Ultrasound Before Abortion Bill |work=[[Lifenews.com]] |date=2011-05-20 |accessdate=August 19, 2011}}</ref>

In February 2007, Perry issued an [[Executive order (United States)|executive order]] mandating that Texas girls receive the [[HPV vaccine]], which protects against some strains of the [[human papilloma virus]], a contributing factor to some forms of [[cervical cancer]].<ref name=Carney>Carney, Timothy (June 21, 2011) [http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/beltway-confidential/2011/06/rick-perrys-mixed-record-regulatory-robbery "Rick Perry's mixed record on regulatory robbery"], ''[[The Washington Examiner]]''</ref> Following the move, news outlets reported various apparent financial connections between Perry and the vaccine's manufacturer, [[Merck]].<ref name=Carney/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/02/22/22perry.html |title=Perry's staff discussed vaccine on day Merck donated to campaign|last=Peterson|first=Liz Austin|agency=Associated Press|work=[[Austin American-Statesman]]|date=February 22, 2007|accessdate=August 7, 2011}}</ref> Merck's [[political action committee]] has contributed $28,500 since 2001 to Perry's campaigns.<ref>Mason, Melanie. [http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-perry-merck-campaign-cash-20110913,0,3068787.story?track=lat-pick "Rick Perry understated drug company campaign cash."] ''Los Angeles Times'', September 13, 2011.</ref> The order was criticized by some parents and [[social conservatives]], and a lawsuit was filed later that month.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://newsmax.com/archives/articles/2007/2/25/111903.shtml |title=Texas Families Seek to Block Gov's Order |agency=Associated Press|publisher=[[Newsmax Media]]|date=February 25, 2007|accessdate=August 7, 2011}}</ref> In May 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a bill undoing the order; Perry did not veto the bill, saying the veto would have been overruled, but blamed lawmakers who supported the bill for the deaths of future cancer victims.<ref>{{cite news|first=Corrie|last=MacLaggan |url=http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/05/09/9hpv.html |title=Perry lets HPV bill go into law |work=[[Austin American-Statesman]]|date=May 9, 2007|accessdate=August 16, 2011}}</ref>

===Religion===
Perry grew up in the [[Methodist]] church, until 2010 when he began attending Lake Hills Church in Austin.<ref name=Statesman/> In 2006, Perry stated that he believes in the [[Biblical inerrancy|inerrancy of the Bible]] and that those who do not accept [[Jesus]] as their savior will go to hell. He later clarified, "I don't know that there's any human being that has the ability to interpret what God and his final decision-making is going to be."<ref name="perryhagee">{{cite news|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/110606dnTSWperry.351c57c.html|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20061119030904/http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/110606dnTSWperry.351c57c.html|archivedate=November 19, 2006|last=Hoppe|first=Christy|title= Perry believes non-Christians doomed|work=[[The Dallas Morning News]]|date=November 6, 2006|accessdate=September 1, 2011}}</ref> In his 2008 book ''On My Honor'', Perry expressed his views on the [[Establishment Clause]] and the [[Free Exercise Clause]]. "Let's be clear: I don't believe government, which taxes people regardless of their faith, should espouse a specific faith. I also don't think we should allow a small minority of [[atheist]]s to sanitize our civil dialogue on religious references."<ref>{{cite book| last= Perry|first= Rick|title=On My Honor|year=2008|publisher=Stroud & Hall Publishers|location=Macon, GA| isbn= 0979646227|page=88}}</ref> In June 2011, Perry proclaimed August 6 as a Day of Prayer and [[Fasting]], inviting other governors to join him in a prayer meeting hosted by the [[American Family Association]] in Houston.<ref>{{cite web|last=Perry |first=Rick |url=http://governor.state.tx.us/news/proclamation/16247/ |title=Gov. Perry Declares August 6th a Day of Prayer |publisher=Office of the Governor|date=June 6, 2011|accessdate=June 29, 2011}}</ref><ref>Bacon, Perry, Jr.; Henderson, Nia-Malika (August 5, 2011). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/texas-gov-rick-perry-to-host-major-prayer-event-in-houston/2011/08/04/gIQAilogwI_story.html "Texas Gov. Rick Perry to host major prayer event in Houston"]. ''[[The Washington Post]]''.</ref> The event was criticized as going beyond prayer and fasting to include launching Perry's presidential campaign.<ref>{{Cite news | last = Fikac| first = Peggy| title = Email on voting prompts questions about Perry prayer event| newspaper = [[Houston Chronicle]]| date = August 19, 2011| url = http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Email-on-voting-prompts-questions-about-Perry-2132729.php| accessdate = August 20, 2011}}</ref>

Perry has called himself "a firm believer in [[intelligent design]] as a matter of faith and intellect", and has expressed support for its teaching alongside [[evolution]] in Texas schools, but has also said that "educators and local school officials, not the governor, should determine science curriculum."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2010/sep/11/this-series-examines-important-issues-to-texans/ |title=2010 The Vote: K-12 Education |work=[[San Angelo Standard-Times]]|date=September 11, 2010 |accessdate=August 18, 2011}}</ref>

===Education===
Perry has repeatedly attacked the [[Robin Hood plan]] to provide court-mandated equitable school financing for all school districts in the state. In 2005, following rejection of Perry's proposal to replace the Robin Hood plan, Perry vetoed all funding for public schools for the 2007–2008 biennium, saying he would not "approve an education budget that shortchanges teacher salary increases, textbooks, education technology, and education reforms. And I cannot let $2 billion sit in some bank account when it can go directly to the classroom."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/3589/ |title=Press Release&#93; Gov. Perry Says Legislators Must Come Back, Get School Funding Right |publisher=Office of the Governor Rick Perry -Governor.state.tx.us |date= |accessdate=August 18, 2011}}</ref> Following a second rejection of Perry's bill, Perry asked [[John Sharp (Texas politician)|John Sharp]] to head a task force charged with preparing a bipartisan education plan, which was subsequently adopted.<ref name="CSHB2 Record Vote">[http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/hjrnl/792/html/79c2day03final.htm ]{{dead link|date=March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.governor.state.tx.us/priorities/tax_reform/TTRC_report/files/TTRC_report.pdf |title=Gov. Perry's Principles For A Stronger Texas |publisher=Office of the Governor - Rick Perry - Governor.state.tx.us |date= |accessdate=August 7, 2011}}</ref>

In 2001, Perry expressed his pride in the enactment of the statute extending in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants who meet Texas' residency requirements. It also required the undocumented students to pledge to apply for permanent residency or citizenship if this became a possibility for them.<ref>{{cite web| last = Perry| first = Rick| title = Gov. Rick Perry's Remarks to the Border Summit| publisher = Office of the Governor| date = August 22, 2001| url = http://governor.state.tx.us/news/speech/10688/| accessdate = August 14, 2011}}</ref>

===Crime===
Perry's campaigns for lieutenant governor and governor focused on a [[Law and order (politics)|tough stance on crime]]. He has supported [[block grant]]s for crime programs.<ref name=NGA10>{{cite web|url=http://www.ontheissues.org/Notebook/Note_01-NGA10.htm |title=Public Notes on 01-NGA10 |publisher=[[On The Issues]]|date=September 14, 2001|accessdate=August 18, 2011}}</ref>

Jeff L. Blackburn, chief counsel of the [[Innocence Project of Texas]], said of Perry that "He has done more good than any other governor we've ever had ... unless, of course, it involves the death penalty. On the [[Rick_Perry#Death_penalty|death penalty]], Rick Perry has a profound mental block".<ref name=NYTCrimeStance>Sontag, Deborah (October 30, 2011). [http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/31/us/politics/rick-perry-displays-varied-stance-toward-crime.html "Perry Displays Varied Stance Toward Crime"]. ''The New York Times''.</ref>

In 2007, Perry signed a law ending automatic arrest for [[marijuana]] possession.<ref>Yoder, Steve (November 7, 2011). [http://www.salon.com/2011/11/07/the_gop_tough_on_crime_no_more/ "The GOP, 'tough on crime' no more?"] ''Salon''.</ref>

===Death penalty===
{{NPOV-section|date=November 2011}}

{{Details|Capital punishment in Texas}}
Perry supports the [[death penalty]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/69546/output/print |title=Injection of Reflection |last=Thomas |first=Evan |first2=Martha |last2=Brant |work=[[Newsweek]] |date=November 10, 2007 |accessdate=June 22, 2008}}</ref> In June 2002, he vetoed a ban on the [[death penalty|execution]] of [[mental retardation|mentally retarded]] inmates.<ref name="NGA10"/> As of August 10, 2011, Texas has carried out 234 executions since Rick Perry became governor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://stopexecutions.blogspot.com/2011/08/texas-set-today-to-execute-234th-person.html |title=Texas Set Today to Execute 234th person under Governor Rick Perry |publisher=[[Texas Moratorium Network]] |date=August 10, 2011 |accessdate=August 11, 2011}}</ref> Cases in which Perry has been criticized for his lack of intervention include those of [[Cameron Todd Willingham]], [[Frances Newton]], and Mexican nationals [[José Medellín]] and [[Humberto Leal Garcia]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=From arson to politics: Why has Texas's governor derailed a death-penalty investigation? |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |date=October 22, 2009 |url=http://www.economist.com/node/14699746 |accessdate=August 13, 2011}}</ref><ref name="grann1">{{cite news |last=Grann |first=David |url=http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/09/07/090907fa_fact_grann |title=Cameron Todd Willingham, Texas, and the death penalty |work=[[The New Yorker]]|date=January 7, 2009 |accessdate=August 7, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.clarkprosecutor.org/html/death/US/newton982.htm |title=Frances Elaine Newton #982 |publisher=Clarkprosecutor.org |date= |accessdate=August 18, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Graczyk |first=Michael |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/07/08/3209871/criticism-of-texas-execution-of.html |title=Criticism of Texas' execution of Mexican Leal doesn't bother Perry |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |date=July 8, 2011 |accessdate=August 7, 2011}}</ref>

Perry commuted the death sentence of [[Kenneth Foster]], who was convicted of murder despite evidence that he was only present at the scene of the crime.<ref name="NYT20070831">{{Cite news |title=Governor Commutes Sentence in Texas |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/31/us/31execute.html |date=August 31, 2007 |first=Ralph |last=Blumenthal |work=[[The New York Times]]|accessdate=November 23, 2011}}</ref> Perry also pardoned [[Tyrone Brown]], who was sentenced to life in a Texas maximum security prison for smoking [[marijuana]] while on [[probation]].<ref name="NYT20070311">{{Cite news |title=Inmate Given Life After Drug Use Is Pardoned in Texas |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/11/us/11pot.html |date=March 11, 2007 |work=[[The New York Times]] |agency=Associated Press |accessdate=November 23, 2011}}</ref> Perry's actions in both these cases were following the recommendation of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.<ref name="NYT20070831"/><ref name="NYT20070311"/>

===Infrastructure===
In 2001, Perry proposed the [[Trans-Texas Corridor]], a $145+ billion-dollar project that would build multi-lane highways, rail lines and data lines from Oklahoma to Mexico, and from east to west in southern Texas. Instead of paying for the project with taxes, Perry proposed that it be partially financed, partially built and wholly operated by private contractors, who would subsequently receive all toll proceeds.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ttc.keeptexasmoving.com/faqs/?faq_type=3 |title=Trans-Texas Corridor: FAQs |publisher=[[Texas Department of Transportation]] |year=2004 |accessdate=2008-11-13 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071113223501/http://ttc.keeptexasmoving.com/faqs/?faq_type=3 |archivedate = 2007-11-13}}</ref> All of Perry's gubernatorial opponents opposed the corridor project, as did the 2006 state party platforms of both the Democratic and Republican parties.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.texasgop.org/site/DocServer/Platform_Updated.pdf?docID=2001 |title=2006 State Republican Party Platform |publisher=Texas Republican Party |year=2006 |accessdate=2008-06-26 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080625233304/http://www.texasgop.org/site/DocServer/Platform_Updated.pdf?docID=2001 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2008-06-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://txdems.bluestatedigital.com/page/-/Party%20Platforms/2006%20TDP%20platform.pdf |title=2006 Texas Democratic Party Platform |year=2006 |accessdate=2008-06-26}}</ref> After much contentious debate between supporters and opponents, an official decision of "no action" was issued by the Federal Highway Administration on July 20, 2010, formally ending the project.

===Gun ownership===
Perry has an A+ rating from the [[National Rifle Association]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nraila.org/News/Read/InTheNews.aspx?ID=15316 |title=Rick Perry's unwavering support for gun rights could boost his presidential prospects |publisher=Nra-Ila |date= |accessdate=August 14, 2011}}</ref> He possesses a [[Concealed Handgun License]] (CHL)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statesman.com/news/local/wily-coyote-no-match-for-governors-gun-634362.html |title='Wily' coyote no match for governor's gun |work=[[Austin American-Statesman]]|date= |accessdate=August 14, 2011}}</ref> and has signed a number of bills that increased CHL access.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/3598/ |title= Gov. Perry Signs Bills to Protect Gun Owners' Rights |publisher=Office of the Governor Rick Perry - Governor.state.tx.us |date= |accessdate=August 14, 2011}}</ref>

== 2012 presidential campaign ==
{{main|Rick Perry presidential campaign, 2012}}
[[File:RickPerry Iowa Fair.jpg|thumb|Perry campaigning at the Iowa State Fair]]
Until 2011, Perry persistently denied aspirations to higher office; he was originally included on the 2012 Presidential Straw Poll ballot at the Values Voter Summit in September 2009, but his name was removed at his own request.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/09/18/texas-gov-rick-perry-pulled-out-of-conservative-straw-poll/ |work=CNN |title=Texas Gov. Rick Perry pulled out of conservative straw poll |accessdate=May 22, 2010}}</ref> In April 2008 while appearing as a guest on [[CNBC]]'s ''[[Kudlow & Company]]'', he specifically stated that he would not agree to serve as Vice President in a [[John McCain|McCain]] administration, stating that he already had "the best job in the world" as governor of Texas. Further, during a Republican gubernatorial debate in January 2010, when asked if he would commit to serving out his term if re-elected, he replied that "the place hasn't been made yet" where he would rather serve than the governor of Texas. In December 2010, when asked if he was a "definite maybe" to run for President in 2012, he replied, "a definite no, brother".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://politicalwire.com/archives/2010/12/26/quote_of_the_day.html |work=[[Political Wire]]
|title=Quote of the Day |accessdate=December 26, 2010}}</ref>

On May 27, 2011, he said he is "going to think about" running for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination after the close of the Texas legislative session.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/may/27/texas-gov-perry-think-about-2012-white-house-run |title=Texan Perry to 'think about' a 2012 White House run |work=The Washington Times |date=May 27, 2011 |accessdate=August 14, 2011}}</ref> Perry said in a response to a question from a reporter, "but I think about a lot of things," he added with a grin.<ref name="politics.blogs.foxnews.com">{{cite news |first=Kris |last=Gutierrez |url=http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2011/05/27/president-perry-texas-gov-think-about-it |title=President Perry? Texas Governor to 'Think About it{{'}} |publisher=Fox News |date=May 27, 2011 |accessdate=August 13, 2011}}</ref>

On August 11, a Perry spokesman said that he will be running for [[United States presidential election, 2012|President in 2012]], with plans to announce his formal entry into the race the next day, August 12.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/texas-gov-rick-perry-running-for-president-spokesman-says/2011/08/11/gIQAscqI9I_story.html |title=Spokesman says Texas Gov. Rick Perry is running for president, announcement planned Saturday |work=The Washington Post |date=August 11, 2011 |accessdate=August 14, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=September 2011|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref><ref name="Spokesman says Texas Gov. Rick Perry will announce presidential bid Saturday">{{cite news |title=Rick Perry to run for president, spokesman says |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/08/11/politics/main20091362.shtml |accessdate=August 11, 2011 |publisher=CBS News |agency=Associated Press |date=August 11, 2011}}</ref> Perry himself confirmed it on a visit to [[KVUE]], the ABC affiliate in Austin. As the [[Associated Press]] bulletin announcing his entry into the race came across the wire, Perry signed and dated a printed copy of the bulletin.<ref>Bergamo, Jim (August 11, 2011). [http://www.kvue.com/home/Spokesman-says-Perry-running-for-president-127546663.html "Spokesman says Perry running for president"]. Austin, TX: [[KVUE]].</ref>

On August 13, Perry officially announced that he will be running for president.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/14/us/politics/14perry.html Promising Better Direction, Perry Enters Race].</ref>

In October 2011, the ''[[Washington Post]]'' reported that Perry's family leases a hunting camp once called "[[Niggerhead]]". According to some local residents interviewed by the ''Post'', the Perrys used the camp for years before painting over a large rock with that name on it, which stands at an entrance to the area, and during this time Perry hosted friends and supporters at the camp.<ref>{{Cite news |title=At Rick Perry’s Texas hunting spot, camp’s old racially charged name lingered |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/rick-perry-familys-hunting-camp-still-known-to-many-by-old-racially-charged-name/2011/10/01/gIQAOhY5DL_story.html |date=October 1, 2011 |first=Stephanie |last=McCrummen |work=[[The Washington Post]] |accessdate=October 3, 2011}}</ref> Perry's campaign disputed the claims, stating that the Perrys painted over the rock almost immediately after acquiring a lease on the property in 1983.<ref name="camp">{{cite web |url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1011/64926.html |title=Perry team pushes back on Herman Cain criticism |first=Alexander |last=Burns |work=[[Politico (newspaper)|Politico]] |date=October 2, 2011 |accessdate=October 3, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Republican Rick Perry in hunting lodge race row |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15155042 |date=October 3, 2011 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=October 3, 2011}}</ref>

On December 6, Perry released a Presidential campaign video on YouTube called "Strong" discussing his religious beliefs, as well as criticism of Obama's governance.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PAJNntoRgA Strong Campaign YouTube Video]</ref> The video states "there's something wrong in this country when gays can serve openly in the military, and your kids can't openly celebrate Christmas." The video has been largely criticised in the on-line community and has received over half a million dislikes on YouTube.<ref>http://www.slate.com/blogs/trending/2011/12/09/rick_perry_ad_generating_epic_hate_on_youtube.html</ref>

== Political views ==

''See'': [[Political positions of Rick Perry]]

== Publications ==
Rick Perry has written two books:
*''On My Honor: Why the American Values of the Boy Scouts are Worth Fighting For'' was published in February 2008.<ref>{{cite book |last=Perry |first=Rick |title=On My Honor: Why the American Values of the Boy Scouts are Worth Fighting For |publisher=Stroud & Hall |year=2008 |month=February |isbn=978-0-9796462-2-5}}</ref> In his book, Perry celebrates the positive impact of the organization on the youth of America and criticizes the [[ACLU]] for its legal actions against the [[Boy Scouts of America]].<ref>{{cite news |title=In first book, Perry criticizes ACLU and defends Boy Scouts |url=http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/02/09/0209perrybook.html |last=Selby |first=W. Gardner |work=[[Austin American-Statesman]] |date=2008-02-09 |accessdate=2008-06-22}}</ref>
*His second book, ''[[Fed Up! Our Fight to Save America from Washington]]'' was published in November 2010.<ref>{{cite book |last=Perry |first=Rick |title=Fed Up! Our Fight to Save America from Washington |publisher=Little, Brown |year=2010 |month=November |isbn=978-0-316-13295-4}}</ref> Perry's second book discusses his support for limited central government.

Perry has also written a lecture about the role of the federal government and the military in disaster management titled ''Federalizing Disaster Response''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Perry |first=Rick |title=Federalizing Disaster Response |publisher=Heritage Foundation |year=2005 |month=November |isbn= }}</ref>

== Personal life ==
In 1982, Perry married [[Anita Thigpen Perry|Anita Thigpen]], his childhood sweetheart whom he had known since [[elementary school]]. They have two grown children, Griffin and Sydney. Anita Perry attended [[West Texas A&M University|West Texas State University]] and earned a degree in nursing. She has spearheaded a number of health-related initiatives such as the Anita Thigpen Perry Endowment at the [[University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio]], which focuses on nutrition, [[heart disease|cardiovascular disease]], [[health education]], and early childhood development.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uthscsa.edu/opa/issues/new34-24/perry.html |title=Endowment named for First Lady Anita Perry - The News - University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio |publisher=Uthscsa.edu |date=2001-06-15 |accessdate=August 18, 2011}}</ref> Anita has also helped develop and host the [[Texas Conference for Women]].<ref name="Texas Conference for Women">{{cite web|last=Giles|first=Mike|title=Governor Rick Perry Leads Texas by Faith|url=http://www.dfwchristianfamily.com/cover/Governor-Rick-Perry-Leads-Texas-by-Faith.php|publisher=DFW Christian Family|accessdate=August 22, 2011}}</ref>

== Electoral history ==
{{Election box begin |title=Texas Gubernatorial Election 2002}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (US)
|candidate = Rick Perry (Incumbent)
|votes = 2,617,106
|percentage = 58.1
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Democratic Party (US)
|candidate = [[Tony Sanchez]]
|votes = 1,809,915
|percentage = 40.3
|change =
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin |title=Texas Gubernatorial Election 2006<ref>[http://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist.exe Texas Board of Elections] as of July 24, 2009</ref>}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (US)
|candidate = Rick Perry (Incumbent)
|votes = 1,716,792
|percentage = 39.02
|change = -19.08
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Democratic Party (US)
|candidate = [[Chris Bell (politician)|Chris Bell]]
|votes = 1,310,337
|percentage = 29.78
|change = -10.52
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Independent (United States)
|candidate = [[Carole Keeton Strayhorn]]
|votes = 796,851
|percentage = 18.11
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Independent (United States)
|candidate = [[Kinky Friedman|Richard “Kinky” Friedman]]
|votes = 547,674
|percentage = 12.44
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Libertarian Party (United States)
|candidate = James Werner
|votes = 26,749
|percentage = 0.60
|change =
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin | title = Texas Gubernatorial Election 2010<ref name="TX Governor Race - Nov 02, 2010"/>
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
| candidate = Rick Perry (Incumbent)
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 2,733,784
| percentage = 54.97
| change = +15.95
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
| candidate = [[Bill White (politician)|Bill White]]
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| votes = 2,102,606
| percentage = 42.28
| change = +12.50
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
| candidate = [[Kathie Glass]]
| party = Libertarian Party (United States)
| votes = 109,057
| percentage = 2.19
| change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
| candidate = Deb Shafto
| party = Green Party (United States)
| votes = 19,475
| percentage = .39
| change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
| candidate = Andy Barron (Write-In)
| party = Independent (United States)
| votes = 7,973
| percentage = .16
| change =
}}
{{Election box end}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{wikinews|Texas governor Rick Perry to announce his presidential intentions}}{{Portal box|Texas|Biography}}
* [http://www.governor.state.tx.us/ Governor Rick Perry] ''official state site''
* [http://www.rickperry.org/ Rick Perry for President] ''official presidential campaign site''
{{CongLinks | votesmart = 15373 | washpo = Rick_Perry | ontheissues = Rick_Perry.htm | cspan = 24767 | rose = | imdb = nm1752773 | nyt = | wsj = | guardian = | worldcat = lccn-nr2004-9616 | fec = | opensecrets = }}
*[http://herndon1.sdrdc.com/cgi-bin/can_detail/P20003281 Campaign finance reports and data] at the [[Federal Election Commission]]
*[http://www.opensecrets.org/pres12/candidate.php?id=N00033486 Financial information] at [[OpenSecrets.org]].......


{{Multicol}}
;National and international media coverage
*[http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/category/rick-perry Rick Perry category] at ''[[CNN]]
*[http://www.foxnews.com/topics/politics/rick-perry.htm Rick Perry page] at ''[[Fox News]]''
*[http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/p/rick_perry/index.html Rick Perry category] at ''[[The New York Times]]''
*[http://topics.wsj.com/person/P/rick-perry/5983 Rick Perry section] at ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]''
*[http://www.economist.com/topics/rick-perry Rick Perry index] at ''[[The Economist]]
*[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/rick-perry Rick Perry collection] at ''[[The Guardian|The (London) Guardian]]
*[http://www.dmoz.org/Regional/North_America/United_States/Society_and_Culture/Politics/Candidates_and_Campaigns/President/Candidates/Perry%2C_Rick Rick Perry directory] at [[Open Directory Project|''The Open Directory Project'']]
{{Multicol-break}}
;Local media coverage
*[http://www.austinchronicle.com/rick-perry/ The Perry Trap] at ''[[The Austin Chronicle]]''
*[http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/perry-watch/ Perry Watch] at ''[[The Dallas Morning News]]''
*[http://www.star-telegram.com/1242 Rick Perry 2012] at the ''[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]''
*[http://topics.chron.com/topics/Rick_Perry Rick Perry] at the ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''
*[http://www.texasmonthly.com/magazine/perry The Perry Trove] at the ''[[Texas Monthly]]''
*[http://www.texasobserver.org/the-perry-trail The Perry Trail] at ''[[The Texas Observer]]''
*[http://www.texastribune.org/texas-people/rick-perry/ Rick Perry] at ''[[The Texas Tribune]]''
{{Multicol-end}}
;Governor
*{{GovLinks | nga = current-governors/col2-content/main-content-list/rick-perry.html | votesmart = | washpo = | ontheissues = | followmoney = 3156 | cspan = | rose = | imdb = | nyt = | wsj = | guardian = | worldcat = | nndb = | findagrave = }}

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[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]
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[[Category:Federal Emergency Management Agency critics]]
[[Category:Governors of Texas]]
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[[Category:People from Haskell County, Texas]]
[[Category:Republican Party state governors of the United States]]
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[[Category:Texas Republicans]]
[[Category:United States Air Force officers]]
[[Category:United States presidential candidates, 2012]]

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Revision as of 20:18, 15 December 2011

5 'And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them. In truth I tell you, they have had their reward.

6 But when you pray, go to your private room, shut yourself in, and so pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.

7 'In your prayers do not babble as the gentiles do, for they think that by using many words they will make themselves heard.

8 Do not be like them; your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

matthew 6 5-8

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