Perry had back surgery in June and had state business he needed to be completed before announcing. Those 2 special sessions were important and he got most of what he wanted passed. He didn't get everything but almost. That is why he entered late. NO excuses for him just pointing out how he takes care of important state business first.
Unless Cain actually catches fire, (who knows the answer to that yet), the reality is that it is either Romney or....(possibly) Perry.
Unless Newt surges, I guess?
In any event. If I were forced to place a bit right now, and only had to consider the money, I’d have to bet on Romney, and that is sort of scary, to say the least.