The whole "economic miracle" idea is subjective. Whenever somebody makes that claim, somebody else will dispute and deflate it. There are no "miracles" in economics, and any good result is going to be compared to some better, ideal result that critics assume is in reach.
But from what I understand, Texas has been doing well economically. Whether Perry's the person responsible or not, the state's economy is a plus for his campaign.
Perry may not be George W. Bush, but I have to wonder if he might have the same problem Jeb Bush has: whatever he deserves, he's got an uphill fight to win over people who are still p.o.'ed at W.
Perry’s going try his best.