I’ve been active in the Republican party, but in the Northeast, where Perry’s style would not play well in the GOP, let alone with independents or conservative Democrats.
Also, I think people are drawn to his resume as a three-term governor of a growing state. The more they see of his campaigning style and hear of his religious pandering, however, the more put off I believe early prospective supporters outside of his region will be.
I do think he could sneak onto a national ticket just fine with Palin at the top, however, in part because having a self-proclaimed feminist woman at the top would offset his good-ol’-boy style.
I can’t speak to the NE at all as it pertains to Perry, but straight talk seems to be working in Ohio, NJ where neither gov. tries to hide their religious beliefs. Pandering would be another matter, I suppose, but I was attracted to Perry’s refusal to apologize about his conservtism.