Run, Rick, run!

There were a lot of interesting speeches and political talk coming out
of this year’s Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans this past
weekend, but the one everyone seems to keep mentioning is Texas Gov.
Rick Perry.

The Lone Star State chief executive proved he knows a thing or two about
states’ rights, the 10th Amendment and the confiscatory nature of the
federal government. The Tea Party faithful will like that. Yet the
governor has also shown that he can execute. During some lean years
around the country, when unemployment hovers in the high 9s, Texas
posted a May unemployment rate of a steady 8 percent. Prior to the Great
Recession, Texas counted itself as one of the strongest job creators in
the private sector, many of whose leading lights laid the credit at
Perry’s feet.

So it’s no surprise the Texas governor would immediately vault to the top of the GOP nominating ranks if he were to decide to run. But isn’t that expected? It’s also no surprise that the party faithful are less than enchanted with the current crop of candidates, and one more contender of Perry’s background and charisma would certainly shake up the field. It would also test the mettle of Romney and Pawlenty, something the entire process should welcome, for it only makes them more formidable against a strong Democrat opponent.

Perhaps Perry’s strongest trait is his chief-executive status of a large, diverse state. Certainly Bush 43 got a bump by virtue of the fact that he heralded from the Republic of Texas. Then there’s the fact he’s a governor, and voters historically like the notion of governors going on to run for president.

Perry’s liabilities are equally clear. He’s from Texas. Americans are still hung over from the Bush era. I’m not sure they’re ready for another candidate who comes closest to mirroring a Bush. Perry is also coming in late to this dance. Some will argue there is still plenty of time, and given Perry’s fundraising prowess, perhaps that’s accurate. But presidential races are growing more and more formulaic through the cycles. As one veteran recently told me, presidential wannabes need to plan as though they are always running, then opt to withdraw. They can’t exactly plan as though they’re not running, only to change their mind and opt in. That latter scenario describes Perry’s “don’t make me do it” situation.

So “run, Rick, run.” It’s anybody’s nomination at this point.